emmLabs CDSA CD/SACD Player The emmLabs CDSA Signature Edition CD/SACD Player, upgraded transport for 2008 price is now $11500 USD (Black or Silver Face plate option.) So just how good are the emmLabs products? James Guthrie used them in the remastering of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon SACD. Steve Rosenthal utilized them as well when he remastered twenty-two Rolling Stones SACDs. Please have a look at who in the Professional Industry are using emmLabs audio products. Professional Users Link: http://www.emmlabs.com/html/users/list.html The Absolute Sound's 2007 Golden Ear Award for the Best CD Player. A Superb CD and SACD player, however, it offers subtle musically natural detail, the best imaging and soundstage I've heard other than from digital masters, and excellent overall timbre without digital hardness in the upper octaves or artificial softening of the sound. It also does a remarkable job of salvaging bad to mediocre CDs. A must-audition even if you can't afford it (I could not afford it and bought it anyway.)" By Anthony Cordesman. Review from enjoythemusic. The CDSA SE has to be in very front rank of CD Players regardless of cost. It will do wonders for detail retrieval, imaging and accuracy complete with a fully realized bottom end and open top on the best Redbook recordings. Its failings are those of the medium itself. As to SACD, this is as good as digital gets, and far better than any Redbook CD you will ever hear. Not a mass market product, but clearly an exceptional achievement and a challenge to vinyl lovers everywhere. Meet my new reference digital source. Review By Phil Gold. CDSA Reviews: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipme nt/0407/emm_labs_cdsa_se.htm

emmLabs CDSA CD/SACD Player

emmLabs DCC2 SE. The DCC2 SE is admired as much for what it does away with as what it does. Its in-built flexibility gives you the option to use it as a standalone converter or as a converter/preamplifier eliminating the need for a separate preamp, attendant buffer stages and additional set of cables. The result is a more direct signal path. Not to mention a more direct connection with the music itself. The converter is a direct descendant of the state-of-the-art DAC6e. Which means it takes CD and SACD reproduction to an entirely higher level. Hook it to a transport, any transport, and immediately the PCM input is upconverted to 5.6448MHz DSD. The sonic benefit of which has garnered equally high praise from both the professional and audiophile communities. On the analogue side, the DCC2 SE is derived from the highly acclaimed Switchman a preamplifier of incredible flexibility. It features two analog and six digital inputs, infrared remote control and, most importantly, stunning transparency. Due, in no small part, to the extraordinarily sophisticated (and completely proprietary) volume control. Software based and controlled, it operates in the analogue domain. Thereby preserving the resolution, purity and integrity of the original signal. emmLabs DCC2 Dac/preamplifier Link: http://www.emmlabs.com/html/audio/dcc2/dcc2.html Review Link: http://www.emmlabs.com/html/press/index.html

Lamm L2 Reference 2 box line stage. Model L2 Reference represents top of the line in LAMM hybrid and solid-state audio equipment. It is one of the best creations of its designer's professional career--a result of years of intensive research directed at attaining the most accurate reproduction of recorded music. Unique topology and application of the most advanced technological resources and processes bring the L2 near the threshold of excellence in sound reproduction. A main distinction of the L2 from any other comparable type of preamplifiers is its almost inaudible sonic signature. When connected to an appropriate type of power amplifiers, and especially LAMM amplifiers, it assures the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound and recreation of a three-dimensional soundstage in the home, recording studio, etc., without boundaries and limitations. The L2 features a topology that brings out the most natural sound performance in the audio path, as well as graceful and sophisticated design. Its unique circuitry utilizing specially selected super-linear high voltage MOS-FET transistors ensures a class A operation from input to output, with no overall feedback at any stage. All stages, including high current output buffers, are single-ended. A unique electronic protection circuit enables manual muting of the outputs until the preamplifier has stabilized after a turn-on; it also enables functioning of the preamplifier in a "muting" mode during operation and automatic switching to muting in case the AC line voltage drops or is interrupted. Other features include 3 inputs; 1 tape loop; output signal phase switch; balanced and single-ended outputs; and built-in remote on/off for LAMM power amplifiers. The L2 has a separate power supply that utilizes a choke contained filter, vacuum tube rectifier and voltage regulator. Special care was taken in designing a high voltage (+350V) high speed vacuum tube voltage regulator. Using this voltage regulator, in conjunction with other technical aspects, enables the reproduction of tiniest nuances and three-dimensional subtleties in the music palette (provided that such details had not been lost in a recording process). A somewhat unusual combination of high voltage vacuum tube power supply and superlinear high voltage MOS-FETs allows to attain an enormously large output swing while retaining practically constant harmonic contents of the signal with an absolute dominance of the second harmonic. In designing the L2 special attention was directed toward optimization of the output impedance of the preamplifier with an aim of attaining practically full independence of the output impedance from frequency, as well as to allow the preamplifier to drive (without audible sonic degradation) significant capacitive loads created by many modern interconnect cables. Each preamplifier is carefully hand-crafted with matched components of the highest quality, some of which include military graded low noise DALE metal film resistors; unique TKD stepped potentiometers (41 detents); PRC wire wound resistors; ELECTROCUBE and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; high frequency switching grade CORNELL DUBILIER electrolytic capacitors; specially selected long life vacuum tubes; high quality heavy duty gold-plated RCA connectors; and gold-plated NEUTRIC XLR connectors. The preamplifier power supply features a custom-designed super-low noise toroidal power transformer. AC voltage is filtered by special RFI power line filter. Summing up the above, we take the liberty in stating that we have been able to create a preamplifier with practically no sonic signature, of course, taking into consideration the fundamental limitations inherent in reproduction of live music by electronic means.

Lamm Industries M1.2 Reference mono block Class A amplifiers.
Model M1.2 Reference represents top of the line in LAMM hybrid and solid-state audio equipment. Power amplifier model M1.2 Reference is a pinnacle of its designer�s professional career -- a result of years of intensive research directed at attaining the most accurate reproduction of recorded music. Unique topology and application of the most advanced technological resources and processes bring the M1.2 Reference to a threshold of excellence in sound reproduction. A distinctive feature of the M1.2 Reference is its presentation of the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound which in turn assures the recreation of a three dimensional soundstage in the home, recording studio, etc. without boundaries and limitations.
The M1.2 Reference is a masterful blend of design and engineering simplicity. It is a pure class A amplifier featuring high-speed MOS-FET transistors in the output stage with no overall feedback and special switch-selectable bias/voltage settings for 8- or 4-Ohm operation. The bias setting switch assures the pure class A operation of the M1.2 Reference when matched with a speaker load of either 4 or 8 Ohms, whereas conventional class A designs double the power into 4 Ohms resulting in one fourth of the doubled power in class A and the rest in class AB (learn more about this in FAQ section of our website at www.lammindustries.com/faq/switch.html). The M1.2 Reference is a hybrid design with one specially selected 6922 vacuum triode in the second stage.

The M1.2 Reference is conservatively rated to deliver 110 Watts into 8 and 4 Ohms in pure class A operation (high and low impedance settings, respectively); 220 Watts into 2 Ohms, and 400 Watts into 1 Ohm (low impedance setting), continuous. The M1.2 Reference can drive any known speaker. The harmonic structure remains intact regardless of the speaker load, while the extreme clarity is maintained at all power levels.

Lamm LL2 Deluxe line stage

Lamm Industries ML2.1 mono block amplifiers. Chosen by the Design and Engineering Committee as one of the most innovative products of the year in the "specialty audio" category, the ML2 was a first single-ended amplifier on the market capable of reproducing a full range of audio frequencies and recreating the original spectral balance and harmonic structure of the recorded material with almost 100% accuracy. Another unique aspect of the design enables the ML2.1 to recreate a three-dimensional soundstage without boundaries and limitations while maintaining the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound. A custom-designed output transformer, along with a unique output stage and high-current regulated power supply, allow the ML2.1 to drive most of the real world speakers and yield tremendous sonic stability under most dynamic conditions. Although the ML2.1s can drive most speakers, their full potential is realized in tandem with high efficiency speakers (94 dB and higher). Two multi-turn trimming potentiometers accessible through special openings in the amplifier's chassis, along with two sets of test points, allow the user to adjust and measure the nominal value of plate voltage and plate current of the output tube by using an external voltmeter. In conceiving and executing an overall design of the ML2, the goal was to utilize the modern technology and processes while recreating a look reminiscent of the long-gone genuine vacuum tube era. Each amplifier is carefully constructed and handcrafted of the finest materials and world class parts, some of which include military graded low noise DALE metal film resistors; ELECTROCUBE and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; high frequency switching grade CORNELL DUBILIER and UNITED CHEMI-CON electrolytic capacitors; HAMMOND chokes; gold-plated NEUTRIC XLR connectors; and military graded low noise long life vacuum tubes. Special attention was given to designing the toroidal power transformer, which has no mechanical contact with either the transformer cover or the chassis, and is suspended in a special encapsulant which almost completely absorbs even the residual mechanical vibrations. This plays a significant role in assuring the absolutely unique clarity and micro-resolution during sound reproduction.

Pass Labs XA 30.5 The Pass Labs XA-30.5 is a class A stereo amplifier producing 30 watts Class A into 8 ohms & 60 watts in to 4 ohms with 30 volts of gain and 20 amps of current potential. " The Pass XA30.5 in contrast was smoother and more liquid -- more like the real thing -- and allowed me to relax into the music with abandon." "The Pass XA30.5 is superb at portraying the emotional expression of music and always, always drew me into the musical experience during listening sessions. At the end of the day, that's what it is all about for me. The Pass XA30.5 amp is the best modestly powered solid-state amp I have ever heard and the best yet to come from the design studio of Pass Labs. Highly recommended." Quotes By Jeff Day. Gain 26dB Freq. Response -3 dB at 1.5 Hz, -2 dB at 100 kHz Power Output 30 watts Class A @ 8 ohms 60 watts Class A @ 4 ohms Power Consumption approx. 200 watts Dimensions 19"W x 7.5"H x 20"D Weight 70 LBS Pass Labs Web address: http://www.passlabs.com

Pass Labs INT-150 Integrated amplifier. Based on the companys acclaimed X-150.5 Stereo Amplifier & XP-10 Preamplifier combined in one chassis. In performance, the INT-150 boasts an excellent dynamic range and fast response. Rated at 150 watts-per-channel into 8 ohms, and 300 watts into 4 ohms, it moves easily from black background to explosive transients, then back again, adding realism and authenticity to recorded materials. It performs with authority and stability regardless of loudspeaker load. Smooth and transparent, the INT-150 provides clean, expansive sound at an affordable price. The Super-Symmetry topology developed by Nelson Pass improves performance by precisely matching characteristics of the two halves of a balanced amplifier. To the extent that distortion and noise can be made to appear identical at the two output connections, they will not be detected at the balanced output. In conventional amplifiers, ordinary matching techniques can achieve improvements by a factor of about 10 under ideal conditions. In the INT-150, Super-Symmetry lowers distortion and noise by an additional order of magnitude. Input, output and AC connectors are on the rear of the amplifier. The main power switch is also on the rear, but a convenient standby switch is available on the front panel. The INT-150 accepts four single-ended inputs via RCA connectors, and two balanced XLR inputs. The speaker outputs are equipped with heavy-duty, international safety-rated, five-way binding posts. The faceplate is machined from thick aluminum stock, then anodized instrument-gray. The satisfyingly solid remote is also made from machined aluminum, and visually matches the front of the amplifier.

Pass Labs X 350.5 stereo amplifier. 350 Watts in to 8 ohm speakers. 700 Watts in to 4 ohm speakers. The X350.5 is the natural progression of the X350. Changes include improvements to power transformers, paralleled high speed / soft recovery rectifiers, improved AC EMI filters, more paralleled power supply capacitors, increased supply RC filtering, refinements to the front-end input circuits, and the addition of single-ended Class A bias circuits for balanced single-ended Class A at low power levels. All of these changes bring the X.5 series closer to the sonic signature of the XA series amplifiers. The X.5 series feature the distinctive front panel meters indicating of the level of current running through the output stages that have long been the visual signature of X amplifiers. The X350.5 accepts both single-ended and balanced inputs. Specifications: Gain 30dB Freq. Response -3 dB at 1Hz, -3 dB at 100 kHz Power Output 350 watts maximum @ 1% THD, 1 kHz, 8 ohms Input Impedance 22 kohm balanced, 11 kohm unbalanced Dimensions 19"W x 11.5"H x 22"D Weight 150lbs Summary: "If your speakers are passive, and you want to hear the most accurate two-channel playback possible, I strongly recommend the Pass X350.5. Its new design has resulted in a clearly audible improvement in sound over the previous generation of X Series. The sonic enhancements are more clearly magnified when listening to high resolution sources."

Pass Labs XP-10 preamplifier & Pass Labs XA-30.5 stereo class A amplifier. The XP-10 is an ultra high quality line-stage audio preamplifier featuring remote control and internal power supply. The XP-10 minimizes the number of components in the signal path, and yet retains exemplary objective performance specifications. It pushes the edge of the art by exploring how much subjective quality is obtainable with unique circuit elements applied in innovative ways. The Pass Laboratories XP-10 along with the XP-20 pre-amplifiers are the natural descendants to the highly acclaimed and successful X series of Pass Laboratories line-stages represented by models X0.2, X1 and X2.5. The X series pre-amplifiers have received many highly respected and well-deserved accolades over the past 11 years.... justifiably so. More importantly they have provided a solid foundation from which the current and newest product has evolved. The new XP series pre-amplifiers are more true to state of the art recordings than our previous product. Given quality recordings, these pre-amplifiers sound more dynamic, bass lines are more clearly, cleanly, and accurately delineated, helping eliminate un-necessary one note bass; instruments and voice are presented in a more refined spatial envelope, and with better spectral balance. Fine nuances and details, which frequently go un-noticed, now become apparent -- even in loud and highly complex musical passages. XP-10 Specifications Gain 0dB or 10dB selectable Freq. Response -3 dB @ 2 Hz,-3 dB at @ 60 kHz. Distortion < .1 % THD typically <.002% @ 2 volts @ 1KHZ. Maximum Output 15 volts rms bal out, 15 volts rms unbal out. Output Impedance 150 ohms unbalanced, 300 ohms balanced. Input Impedance 48 kOhm unbalanced, 96 kOhm balanced. 1KHz Signal to Noise Ratio < -110 dB, Ref 5V Power Consumption 10 watts. Dimensions chassis 17"W x 12"D x 4"H. Shipping Weight 32 pounds.

LFD LE MK III Integrated

Avantgarde Duo Omega Horn speakers

Parmenter Fat Boy Horn speakers are hand made in New Zealand by Jason Parmenter of Parmentersound.com
Parmenter Fat Boy 2 way Horn speaker Specifications.
TAD 4001 & TAD 1601a speaker drivers used with Alnico Magnets.
External vibration plinth crossovers using Duelund Cast Capacitors / Duelund Inductors / Duelund Silver & carbon resisters / Cardas pure Copper Binding Posts / Stillpoint vibration OEM feet.
Internal speaker cables is the Cardas Clear hard wired from the TAD bass driver to the external crossover.
The crossover wiring is Cryogenically treated and supplied by Jena Labs.
Black Diamond Racing Cones & Pits for Isolation feet (7 of each used per cabinet).
Frequency response 28 Hz – 22 KHz -3 DB
Efficiency 98 Db 1 watt 1 meter.
Dimensions: Width 810 mm Depth 700 mm Height 1310 mm.
Weight 200 KG each speaker cabinet.
Price $80,000 NZD with Signature Duelund crossover a pair.

The Parmenter Fat Boy horn speakers are not a standard stock loudspeaker and are only built to special order, please allow 4-5 months build time.

The best HiFi Ive heard in a long time, New Zealand Reference Audio systems are supplied by Parmenter Sound.
Author: BrettG New Zealand Tone magazine review Link.

http://www.tone.co.nz/Members/BrettG/my-blogs/two-channels/the-best-hifi-i2019ve-heard-in-a-long-time

http://www.tone.co.nz/articles/cracking-a-fat-parmenter-sound-58

Comments
FijiGlen [27-05-2008 16:46]
I've read and heard many say there is nothing like the sound from a big full range speaker. After I audition Jason Parmenter's Fatboy speakers I'm a believer too. In fact Jason's Fatboy's are the best sounding speakers I've ever heard as well. Sure the EMMlabs CD player and Lamm amps helped, but there was something unexplainably realistic in the way these speakers radiated the music. We played a lot of different CDs and although you could detect the quality of the different recordings, the essence of the music came through and made the listening session more about the choice of music rather than the technical attributes of the components.

Interestingly Jason's room isn't that large (for a dedicated music room) and even though the speakers were positioned fairly close to the back and side walls it didn't affect the speaker's ability to project a wide and deep soundstage.
I originally came to Jason's home to audition a pair of Harbeth HL5 speakers. Although these speakers sounded mighty impressive through the Leben CS600 integrated amp there was something unique about the big sound from the Fatboys/Emmlabs/Lamm combo. Perhaps its the sound of unrestrained dynamics that's projected into the room in a effortless manner?
Like BrettG I'm convinced of the big speaker sound. If I could afford this combo I would.

Parmenter Fat Boy Wood Horn TAD 4001 Driver mounted to Parmenter Fat Boy wood horn. Parmenter Fat Boy Horn speakers ($POA) Parmenter Fat Boy Horn speakers are hand made in New Zealand by Jason Parmenter of Parmentersound.com Parmenter Fat Boy 2 way Horn speaker Specifications. TAD 4001 & TAD 1601a speaker drivers used with Alnico Magnets. External boxed crossovers using Mundorf or Duelund Capacitors & Inductors, Cardas Copper Binding Posts. Internal speaker cables & crossover wiring is Cryogenically treated and supplied by Jena Labs. Black Diamond Racing Cones & Pits for Isolation feet (7 of each used per cabinet). Frequency response 28 Hz - 100 KHz -3 DB with Townshend Ribbon super tweeter addition. Efficiency 98 Db 1 watt 1 meter. Dimensions: Width 810 mm Depth 700 mm Height 1310 mm. Weight 200 KG each speaker cabinet. Parmenter Sound's "Fat Boy" Speaker System Throughout the next 6 months l intend listening to as many top end speaker systems as possible to gauge where my system fits on the fun factor scale. l am not actively looking for new speakers as such, but if something really floats my boat, then l will consider an upgrade. l will freely admit that in all likelihood an upgrade could occur but there is nothing about my current system that is giving me the itch, just the curiosity that there could be better out there and if there is, l want to know about it Yesterday l was fortunate enough to make the trip NW from Auckland to Jason Parmenters property at Muriwai, an easy 1hr drive from the airport. The purpose of my visit was to audition his recent creation, the Parmenter Fat Boys. These are a very large 200kg two way system employing a TAD Compression driver of 110dB efficency partnered with a TAD 16" bass driver in an Onken enclosure, the design of which dates back to the 50's. Mundorf Silver crossover components are used throughout, taking the place of an earlier Marchand actve setup. Jason prefers the passive version and will shortly be trying out an even more highly specced crossover employing Dueland components throughout. Overall system efficency is 102dB. The room was about 4.5 x 7m with the speakers across the narrow wall. Amps were Lamm partnered with an EMM Labs CDP. Jasons TT setup was laid up waiting on a new arm so it was CD only. We listened to various CD's for about 2hrs and throughout it was obvious that the system was capable of incredible resolution and dynamics. So much so that my CD's were presented in an open effortless manner unlike anything l have ever experienced previously. Imaging was pinpoint and amazingly coherent due in part no doubt to the TAD compression driver handling all frequencys from 600hz up. Bass was deep, tight and integrated perfectly with the rest of the spectrum. It truly was like a new window had been opened up on the music. This is the best HiFi l have ever heard without a doubt, music sounded completely alive and unrestrained. l am looking forward to being invited back to Jasons for another listen this time on vinyl, since purchasing my TT l have not listened to CD's so vinyl has really become my reference. Under consideration is the addition of a TAD ribbon supertweeter so it will be intriguing to hear what that may add to an already stellar system. Jason is also waiting for a pair of Harbeth 40.1's to come in stock, another speaker on my audition short list so l look forward to making the trip out to Muriwai in the coming months Cheers, mondie

WORLD'S BEST CAPACITOR

Our apologies for the blatant misuse of the caps lock key, but when you are judged against nearly 50 other capacitors and come out as the true number 1, the sound of Ode to Joy seems to echo in your ears...

Some years ago the talented and skillful DIY'ing Dutchman Mr. Tony Gee of www.humblehomemadehifi.com tested our Virtual Stack Foil Cu capacitor and came to the natural conclusion that it was the best sounding capacitor available.

As time flew by, many challengers vied for the throne but were denied. The VSF remained supreme.

Realising that something had to be done about this, we send a pair of Duelund Coherent Audio CAST capacitors to set the record straight.

We are proud to announce the following result:

Sound: The CAST capacitor has all the same characteristics as the VSF but with added top-end clarity and together with that, more spatiality. They are (like the VSF) super natural, smooth, clear and open. The tonal balance is extremely neutral, especially audible with good recordings of acoustic instruments and the human voice, so maily with classical music. Like the VSF the separation of the individual instruments is very good and in an orchestra, the string section is a group of individuals rather than just a group.
You can now have the best of both worlds in the form of the Duelund CAST-Cu. I did find they needed a couple of weeks use to fully come to bloom, so give a chance to burn-in. My current reference!

My new Duelund Cast copper capacitors/Inductors & Carbon/Silver resisters arrived yesterday for my Parmenter Fat Boy Horn speaker crossovers, Wow they look incredible.
I have built them on to two flat 440 x 440 x 56 mm plywood plinths to sit between the Fat Boys & my audio rack on Stillpoint OEM Vibration footers.
The Duelund capacitors & Inductors are set in to round rebated cut outs on wool felt isolation material. The Duelund Crossover components have bought the sound of my Parmenter Fat Boy horn speakers to a new level of music playback. Very highly recommended as the ultimate speaker crossover upgrade.

Single Ended Triode design, 300B Transformer coupled WE 417A driver stage, 5U4 rectified dual choke power supply. Tango output transformers & double C-Core mains transformer. 3mm copper box section chassis, 25mm Jarra side panels & Transformer covers. Frequency Responce 10 Hz - 100 KHz @ -3 dB. 8 & 16 ohm. Dimension W 445 mm x D 500mm x H 260mm. Weight 42 Kg each mono block. Not for sale one Pair made only. Review by owner: Buzzwhite Audiogon member. Parmenter Sound 300B mono-bloc amps. Well, you could knock me down with a feather! I have recently bought a new pair of mono-blocs that actually cost me less than the pair I am retiring. I have not managed such a feat for years, if ever. Not only do my new NZ made Parmenter 300Bs sound better than any amps I have owned before but I have also performed the impossible and saved some money. I have been buying increasingly more expensive hi-fi for more than 25 years. I may finally be cured of this illness by my latest blissful sound. My previous amps, in chronological order, were Sony, Denon, Onix, Sugden, Aragon, Quad, Cello Performance 11s, Levinson H33s, Audio Note Ongaku, Audio Note Gaku-ons. To my ears the Parmenter's are more musical, with more depth and sound stage than I have previously achieved. This is coupled with a 'sweetness' that makes listening a long term pleasure. The amps are extremely well built and fit perfectly into my system. At night I may bask in the music of a full orchestra, or the glorious sound of Elgar's cello concerto or perhaps the sexy voice of some gorgeous, unattainable woman who seems to have been spirited into my room, singing only to me. As Billey Connolly might say, I am nearly in heaven. My system is Tannoy Westminster Royals, C.E.C TLO transport, Audio Note DAC 5, Audio Note Zero tuner, Audio Note M8 Pre-amp, my new pair of Parmenter Sound 300Bs, and a PS Audio 600 power supply. When I can afford it all this will be connected by Goetz. AND THEN..... I shall buy another pair of Parmenters and bi-amp. Believe me..........this is The Final Solution!

Parmenter 45 tube amps for the purist who values the ultimate in tonality and refinement. The 45 itself is a very detailed and transparent tube with astonishing microdynamics. With strings, vocals, guitar, piano, no other valve has the tone of the 45. The 45 amplifier design uses a simple circuit & the shortest signal path possible plus the highest quality parts. Parts included Black Gate capacitors, Shinkoh Tantalum resistors, Audio Note silver Speaker connectors & Input RCA sockets, pure solid core silver wire in the signal path and Jensen Silver foil paper in oil signal caps. bt-sf00-47 Jensen Silver Foil-Capacitor 0.47 uF / 630V $760 NZD each, one per mono block. The transformers were hand wound by a craftsman to specification. The amp is tube rectified using an EZ80 tube and a 6C45p driver stage. The amplifiers have a full 2.5 mm copper chassis that is nickel & then chrome plated. The Parmenter 45 mono blocks have two of the best power supply caps you can buy the black gate WKZ 500 volt & the Black Gate WK - Power Tank. The Black Gate Capacitors were hand picked by me while I was in the Audio Note UK factory recommended by Peter Qvortrup as the best power supply capacitors he had in stock. Solid Copper pad Star Earthed ground for ultra quiet operating level. 4 Herbies Isolation footers on each mono amplifier. Power is only 2 watts per channel in to 8 ohms output so speaker matching is critical for best sonic results, these 45 mono blocks were designed specifically to match with Avantgarde Acoustic & high efficiency Horn speakers. 1 pair only ever made. By Jason Parmenter

Leben HiFi CS 600 Integrated amplifier

Harbeth Super HL5

Cutting-edge high-performance belt-drive CD transport In 1991, CEC introduced the TL1, the first product to use a belt drive CD mechanism. All over the world, audiophiles and music lovers took note and gave the product an enthusiastic reception. Never before had such a wealth of detailed musical information been extracted from compact disc. And now, CEC presents the TL51XR with a latest Burr-Brown DAC, incorporating sophisticated the previous belt-drive technologies. In order to faithfully read the music signal recorded on disc, an extremely quiet drive mechanism, which can precisely stabilize the disc rotation and eliminate vibration and resonance, is essential. In the TL51XR, the spindle motor, which drives the disc, is completely isolated from the disc turntable. Any vibration or electromagnetic noise arising from the motor are either shut out or absorbed by the rubber belt. In addition to the belt, a precise disc stabilizer is essential for the belt-drive mechanism. The stabilizer solidly holds the disc onto the turntable, minimizing disc warping and vibration during playback. Moreover, the stabilizer with a large inertial moment generates a flywheel effect to stabilize the angular *velocity. In this way, the TL51XR achieves pickup performance that can read the music signal recorded on disc with the highest stability and lowest noise. 24bit/192kHz DA converter TL51 XR uses one of the latest Burr-Brown's DAC, PCM1796. By using the DAC in dual-mono, it guarantees ultra low distortion, high dynamic range and channel separation. Before digital to analog conversion the digital signal is upsampled to 192kHz. The other digital functions of digital filter, -oversampling and dither are optimized for the best dynamic performance, the lowest distortion, and increasing the linearity at the lowest level. This results in a more open, transparent and lifelike sound.

SME 20.2a & SME V Tone Arm
This finely engineered precision turntable offers a new listening experience from your treasured vinyl and 78's. Massive construction, extensional damping of major surfaces and lack of vibration from moving parts ensure tightly controlled detailed sound and stable stereo imaging. The Model 20/2 illustrated is equipped with the acclaimed Series V 'the best pick-up arm in the world'.
In an electro-mechanical record replay system a major problem is extraneous vibration. This will come from numerous sources including air and structure borne vibrations from loudspeakers, vibrations caused by groove modulation and those set up by stray electrical fields and mechanical imperfections in the turntable's moving parts. Addressing these problems two simple but important facts influence design. The higher the mass and stiffness of a body the less it will flex and vibrate; the duration of a vibration can be shortened by suitable damping.
The Model 20/2 weighs approximately 18,2kg and this is especially significant in relation to its size because in meeting the requirements of mass and stiffness it is density that matters, a point that is often overlooked , because sheer size can be impressive!
The sub-chassis measures only 420mm by 320mm but weighs 6,8kg. Its depth, 9,5mm resists flexing at low frequencies and its high frequency resonance is attenuated by efficient extensional damping. The method of suspending the sub-chassis is particularly important. In conventional turntables metal springs often contribute significantly to colouration. Sometimes even their size and nature can be identified by experienced ear!
The Model 20/2's suspension has no sonic footprint. It suspends the sub-chassis on 32 purpose moulded 'O'-rings. The method of anchorage allows the rings to be removed or replaced in a matter of moments. Vertical and lateral movements of the suspension are controlled by a large fluid damper.
Sub-chassis decoupling is sufficient to prevent acoustic feedback. Beyond this a degree of coupling is considered necessary, allowing unwanted acoustic energy to be drained away, being partly converted into heat as it passes through the damping fluid before final dissipation in the mass of the base and its supporting structure.
When playing a record two sets of mirror image audio vibrations are reacted, one in the arm and the other in the platter and both will pass into the sub-chassis in the course of dissipation. The usual 'closed loop' construction does not address the problem of their differing phase however so in the Model 20/2 the interfaces of the mounting plinth and bearing assembly with the sub-chassis have received special attention to provide individual paths of the required impedance.
The design aims of the Model 20/2 can be summarised thus:
Elimination of extraneous vibration effects. Orderly control of unwanted signal vibrations. Pitch stability. Freedom from radiated fields. Freedom from critical adjustments and setting up procedures. Long term dependability. An all embracing list? Certainly one to which careful attention should remedy most turntable ills!
MODEL 20/2
equipped for but not including SME precision pick-up arm.
MODEL 20/2A
as above but complete with matching SME Series V precision pick-up arm.
Dimensions: 420 x 320 x 155mm.
Packing: Substantial case.
Net weight with power supply: 18,2kg
Shipping weight approximately: 25kg.

SRA Audio Isolation Platforms

Power conditioner.

Class A Single Ended Triode 10W+10W Power Amplifier The legendary 300B power triode has long been the first choice of many serious music listeners because of the natural, emotional presentation of amplifiers using this power tube. The 300B tube works very well in traditional circuits and this is part of the reason why this ancient triode has become so famous worldwide. We appreciate the achievements of old-fashioned single- ended 300B amplifiers, but the dream of the full potential of 300B for musical reproduction has only come true with the creation of the EC-300B amplifier. In the EC-300B, 300B tube is special adaptation of our proprietary IITC interstage transformer coupling circuit. Our design is carefully tailored to furnish ideal drive conditions for the output tube, opening the door to dramatic new levels of low-end articulation and dynamic excitement for single-ended 300B amplifiers. The ample 10 watt output of the EC-300B provides full-bodied musical reproduction that you will appreciate for a long, long time. The result of our intensive research, the EC-300B, is a completely modern amplifier dedicated to the timeless quest for musical enjoyment. Specification Power Tube 300B Effective Power output 10 watts per channel Frequency range 20Hz-100KHz Input sensitivity 1.0Vrms Input impedance 100k ohms S/N ratio 80dB Power consumption 260 watts Power supply 100,110,120,220,230,240 VAC 50-60Hz (selected when shipped) Load impedance 8(4/16) ohms External dimensions 485Wx350Dx220H(mm) Weight 27kg Features -An Adaptation of IITC circuit concept featuring a unique configuration which cancels DC magnetization in the interstage transformer for outstanding bass performance and rich musical reproduction. -All direct-coupled circuitry. We avoid coupling capacitors to ensure maximum purity of reproduction. -The 300B heaters are supplied from a well filtered DC source to minimize hum and noise. -The 10mm thick chassis is NC machined from solid aluminum and finished in a satiny champagne-gold finish. -The specially-designed transformers used in WAVAC Audio Lab. amplifiers are custom-wound to the highest standards by TANGO, the most renowned transformer manufacturer in Japan. -All tube sockets are machined out of solid Teflon, fitted with gold plated phosphor bronze contacts and mounted on elastomeric vibration insulators. -Gold-plated speaker jacks which will accommodate heavy audiophile speaker cables are mounted on the top of the amplifier for easy access. -Reduction of noise caused by electric power supply is realized by a power line input filter. -A perforated aluminum bottom plate provides effective cooling for long component life. -An attractive laboratory glass canopy suspended on elastomer supports is provided the output tubes. -The input tube is a triode-wired Western Electric 435A, a superb small-signal device designed to meet the highest standards of performance and reliability in vital telecommunication applications.

The HE-833 uses the venerable 833A transmitting triode, first choice of broadcast engineers for audio and transmitter service for many decades. The 833A was RCA's most powerful glass triode in the old days, so it is an appropriate choice for our project to raise the capabilities of directly heated single ended triode amplifiers to a level where even the most demanding contemporary loudspeakers pose no challenge. The HE-833 can easily drive any load, with a sense of total control and delicacy that simply cannot be obtained through conventional push-pull configurations or paralleling multiple output tubes for higher output.

Until the invention of our IITC circuit, there was no way to harness the power of the mighty 833A for Class A audio applications. The HE-833 uses a triode-wired KT88 driver stage which couples to the 833A through a low impedance transformer, providing ideal drive conditions to actualize the full sonic potential of the transmitting triode. A ultra-low noise, telecommunications-quality Western Electric 437A is used in the input stage for maximum dynamic range. And our direct-coupled, capacitor-free audio circuitry preserves the low-level resolution that makes single ended triode amplifiers such a music lover's favorite worldwide. We guarantee that the authoritative musical reproduction of the HE-833 will be a revelation regardless of what you are listening to now! It is no longer necessary to choose between musical refinement and high power-it is possible to have both with the HE-833.

Airtight ATM 1 EL 34 valve amplifier

Marantz T1 specifications: Product type: monaural power amplifier Continious power output: 50W per side, at 8 ohms Input sensitivity and impedance: Balanced inputs; 0.75V/1k Ohms Signal to noise ratio: 90dB [IHF-A] Power consumption: 560W Dimensions and weight: W 556 x H396 x D495 mm, 65kg Tubes used: Four 300B, Four 845, One 5U4G Transformers used: input; LS10X, Inter-stage; LS25, Driver; LS56, Output; LS 6L4 Miscellaneous: Pin 3 positive for balanced inputs, "birdcage"type bonnet and removable AC cable supplied A tube power amplifier with a classic circuit design that reminds us what is lacking from modern day amplifiers. The Marantz Project T-1 tube power amplifier was released in 1995. In contrast to the Model 9, the Marantz Project T-1 utilizes a different but "classic" circuit design. Normally, the average height of a tube power amplifier chassis is around 40 to 70mm. However, the chassis height of the Marantz Project T-1 is more than double the average height, and with good reason - the Marantz Project T-1 chassis houses signal amplification transformers inside. The controls on the exterior of the chassis feature a round-shaped meter in the center indicating the bias balance of the primary, driver and final gain stages. Monitor selection for the meter can be made through a three-way rotary switch selector. The large case located on the upper part of the chassis contains two power transformers; one that powers the primary, driver stage B+ and filament, and a second one that powers the B+ for the final stage. The smaller case located adjacent to the larger one contains two choke coils that seem to be made by Tamura; the first one for the primary and the driver stage B+ voltage, and the second one for the final stage B+ voltage. The audio chain for the Marantz Project T-1 is: a balanced input stage followed by an input transformer, followed by an attenuator, then a 300B push-pul stage, and finally, the output transformer. Phase reversal of the input signal is handled by the input transformer at the secondary tap, forming the basis for full class-A transformer coupling operated non-negative feedback push-pull amplifier. The Marantz Project T-1 uses four transformers in the audio signal chain. Transformers are sometimes referred to as band pass filters and only one is used in most tube power amplifiers, but in this case four are used. However, if you look at the transformer as being a band pass filter, it can also act as a device for narrowing the frequency response of a given amplifier design, but usually this does not achieve the best performance where minimizing distortion is concerned. To avoid this, the Marantz Project T-1 uses four superior transformers manufactured by OPT of America (formerly UTC: United Transformer Corporation). The main attraction of an all triode push-pull stage design is the noticeable decrease in third-order high frequency harmonic distortion, which effectively cancels out any second-order high frequency distorion and ripple noise from the power supply. The six tubes used in the audio signal chain are based on a direct current ignition design, which allocates individual currents to the six tubes. This virtually eliminates any hum caused by the filament. The filament power supply features a regulated current design, which minimizes current spikes that may occur when the amplifier is powered up. The power supply for the B+ voltage features a time delay mechanism that prevents power-on shock noise and loading at B+. The time delay mechanism also turns off the B+ voltage of the various amplification stages. High reliability achieved in bias and rectifier stage design through the use of premium components There are primarily two design types for bias circuits: the self-bias and fixed-bias circuits. To achieve reliable operation, the Marantz Project T-1 uses a self-bias design for all three of its push-pull stages to give a total of six bias points. Each cathode resistor is fitted with a bi-pass capacitor, making the amplifier design free from negative feedback. To rectify the B+ voltage, the Marantz Project T-1 uses a dual tube driven double-wave rectifier, with a 5U4G for direct heat used at the primary and driver stages, and an 845 used in a plate and grid two-pole design for the final stage. The Marantz Project T-1 actually uses four 845's, two for the rectifier stage and the other two for the push-pull section of the final stage. In the final stage, there is a 970V high voltage load apploed to the 845's. Bi-pole usage of two 845's makes the rectifier more reliable and stable than would, say, a double voltage rectifier design using a 5U4G. I was lucky enough to own these amplifiers and experience their magic first hand.

Application: Low-Level audio signal cable assembly / interconnect. Construction: Fully balanced / Pseudo single-ended cable assembly. 3 conductor symmetrical litzwire geometry. 95 isolated, multi-gauge, multi-strand, oxide free / Lab Grade OFC fibers per conductor with FEP� insulation. Tubular 5-piece interlocking synthetic wire guide insures consistent electricals throughout cable assembly. Guide also act as first micro-vibration damper. Individual wires are cabled in an angular displacement to optimize the self-cancellation of noise. Multiple layer aerospace grade amorphous PTFE� and air insulation. Trio shield is proprietary to Nirvana and virtually eliminates RF, EMI and triboelectric noise from contaminating the audio signal. Shielding cushioned by natural and man-made materials to suppress shift and insure vibration damping. Jacket material is a polyurethane compounded with suspended micro-particles to reduce static build-up.

Application: High-Level Audio signal cable. Standard configuration or internally bi-wireable Construction: 2 conductor Symmetrical Litzwire construction. 285 isolated, multi-gauge, multi-strand, oxide free/ Lab Grade OFC fiber conductors with FEP� insulation.. 8 conductor symmetrical Litzwire geometry, 95 isolated, multi-gauge, multi-strand, oxide free / Lab Grade fibers per conductor with FEP� insulation. Synthetic and natural material wires guides ensure consistent electricials throughout cable assembly. Guides also act as micro-vibration damper. Individual wires are configured in an angular displacement to optimize the self cancellation of noise. Aerospace grade amphorous PTFE � And air insulation. Jacket material is a polyurethane compound with suspended micro-particles to reduce static build up.

The Townshend Audio MAXIMUM Ribbon Supertweeter is designed to extend the response of conventional Hi-Fi loudspeakers to 100kHz. Adding the Super Tweeter to your audio system allows you to experience the advantage of the extended frequency response delivered by the new digital audio formats (DVD-A, DVD-V containing 96/24 stereo PCM audio, and SACD) and to fully utilize the 30kHz plus frequency response previously only available from high-quality vinyl reproduction. Another bonus is that CD and Nicam stereo, together with Dolby Digital and DTS compressed digital audio formats, are also greatly enhanced. Just as the sub woofer fills in the bottom end, the Maximum Supertweeter fills in the top end. It makes the music much more real! All Instruments - even double basses - take on an extra clarity that is neither bright nor brash. In fact the sound is both clearer and smoother. The really surprising thing is that when the tweeters are played alone, one can barely, if at all, hear a thing. Remarkably, however, all listeners � even, those having no sine wave sensitivity above 10kHz - experience the same enhancement when the Supertweeters are engaged, describing the sound of their hi-fi systems as �more natural� and comfortable to listen to.

emmLabs TSD1 CD/SACD TRANSPORT The TSD1 is a digital disc player for CD and stereo / multichannel SA-CD. It is a companion product to be used with EMM Labs high quality digital-to-analog converters and provides a proprietary digital audio link via fiber optical cable (EMM OptiLink) for optimum data transfer. The TSD1 transport has EMM Labs proprietary internal MDAT algorithm to up-sample and condition digital audio to twice the SACD/DSD sample rate before sending it to its EMM OptiLink output for external D/A Conversion. Features & Specifications Supported disc formats: � Redbook CD � Stereo SACD and Multichannel SACD � MP3 CD Outputs: � AES/EBU (XLR) PCM digital audio output for CD and MP3 only. � EMM Labs OptiLink for up to 6 discrete channels of high resolution digital audio. � BNC clock input allowing TSD1 to be slaved by reference master clock. � System control via wired Infrared remote and serial RS-232 � USB data port for software upgrades (see Appendix A) Power supply � Power factor corrected � Factory set to 100V or 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz operation � Power consumption: 40W � Dimensions W x D x H: 435 x 400 x 140mm � Weight: 15kg

emmLabs DAC2 AUDIO CONVERTER for CD/SACD & DSD. The DAC2 is a high-performance stereo D/A converter with a wide variety of user selectable digital inputs. It has evolved from EMM Labs acclaimed converter systems which are used worldwide in professional studios to create some of the finest recordings. The DAC2 provides conversion from a wide variety of digital input formats, including USB Audio for computers, media systems and digital audio playback machines making it an extremely flexible converter system that can act as a standalone conversion hub to a host of digital sources. The DAC2 has: * EMM Labs proprietary internal MDAT algorithm to up-sample and condition digital audio to twice the SACD/DSD sample rate. * Ed Meitners proprietary discrete Dual Differential DAC circuit. * Uses our exclusive aerospace grade composite laminate circuit boards. The DAC2, when paired with an EMM Labs transport, performs as an unparalleled CD/SACD playback system. Features & Specifications 2-Channel D/A conversions: * from PCM (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz) to analog * from DSD to analog Supported digital input formats: * AES/EBU (1 connector) * SPDIF (Coax) * Two Optical TOSLink SPDIF * EMM OptiLink * USB Audio Analog outputs and impedances * Balanced on XLR (100) * Unbalanced on RCA (50) User selectable levels: Low position: * XLR outputs: 4V (+14.38dBu) * RCA outputs: 2V (+8.353dBu) High position: * XLR outputs: 7.2V (+19.38dBu) * RCA outputs: 3.6V (+13.34dBu) * Factory set to 100V or 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz operation * Power consumption: 50W * Remote control: Infrared * Dimensions W x D x H: 435 x 400 x 92mm * Weight: 12kg The emmLabs DAC2 is controlled by an internal processor that can be programmed with software to enhance or add new features for future upgrades.

Jena Labs Pathfinder speaker cables 8 foot pair. "The difference between the very fine JENA Labs Valkyrie level cables I personally own, and her Pathfinders, is approximate in scope to the changes made by switching from a very high quality active component to an absolutely extraordinary one. The difference between the Pathfinders and any other brand of wire I have heard is simply not comparable in any fair sense of the word. I am trying VERY hard not to imagine my system with Pathfinder-level cables throughout. I refused to be obsessed. This issue of scope here needs to be clearly defined here. The impact of this single product covers virtually every aspect of musical reproduction: frequency response, dynamic range, sound-staging, imaging, tonal balance, harmonics �to this ineffable "rightness" your body will tell you about. Stunning, absolutely stunning. I think that JENA Labs makes expensive cables. No question about it. At the high end of her product line, they cost as much as high quality active components. No question about that either. But unlike active components, they are risk free. Regardless of what system you use them in, they will produce commensurate improvement and the same simply cannot be said for all active components. I cannot imagine anyone (who can actually hear, and can afford them) putting a set of Pathfinders into their system, and being able to willingly remove them again. If I were selling them, I would do so on a blind, money-back guarantee basis, confident that if the decision is being made on the basis of performance, there would be no question. If you have the means, and you can hear, these are for you. Oh and here is a nightmarish thought �there is a level ABOVE the Pathfinders called, The Dreamdancer and a new one above the Dreamdancer coming out in the next few months. I am refusing to hear either of them. You have to draw the line somewhere." POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLINE - ISSUE 23

The Jena Labs Platinum power conditioner consists of an exquisitely made, extruded, anodized aluminum case with stainless button-screw mounting and flat side plates to hold the unit together. It is an attractive, form-follows-function design with four large, solid rubber feet underneath it to assist in dampening the aluminum shell. The Platinum is stuffed to the gills with a level of filtration functionally the same as that of the 3.1 Washing Machine. All of the ultra-high-grade components are of the individual component type and are assembled in a point-to-point configuration. Each outlet has its own filter network, and the group of outlets has a collective group filter. The Platinum has a dedicated 20A inlet connector feeding a 20A circuit breaker. The Platinum is fitted with a component arrester, as protection against lightning strikes. Added protection from surges is included as well. The unit ships with our high-grade, dedicated 20A power cord designed specifically for the 20A inlet.Components that benefit from cryogenic treatment are used where applicable. The Platinum is suitable for all components, including amplifiers. Jena Labs 1116-20 Power cord included with the Platinum power conditioner. The Platinum Power Conditioner, designed and made in the USA by hand by JENA Technologies.

The Jena Labs Symphony jumper cables have been specially designed as direct replacement link cable to bi-wire the Avantgarde Midrange Horn binding posts directly down to the Treble input & Bass input terminal by passing any internal extra links in the signal path. Improvements gained from running the main speaker cables direct to the Duo Midrange driver then using the Jena Labs Jumper cables has resulted in extra Bass weight plus Midrange fullness has increased dramatically from the standard link cables I was using. The treble extension has better inner detail with a very natural tonal quality.

System Type: Dynamic-driver four-way system using a triple-chambered transmission line and two-piece stacking enclosure system to eliminate resonance and ensure image focus. Cabinet and Bracing: A two-inch thick front baffle provides exceptional vibration control and image solidity, while one-inch MDF fiberboard interlocking braces provide exceptional rigidity and freedom from boxy colorations. Size (per channel): Height: 44", Width: 11", Depth: 24". Weight (per channel): Woofer module (x2): 97 lbs each, M/T module: 53 lbs., Total Weight Per Channel: 150 lbs. With wood crate: 202 lbs. Driver Complement (per channel): 8.5" aluminum woofers from Norway(x2) 7" carbon Kevlar-cellulose Aerogel midrange driver from France. 1.5" silk dual concentric ring tweeter from Denmark. 1" rear firing ambience mid/tweeter with fabric dome and transmission-line loading from Denmark. All drivers use our proprietary Advanced Motor System with low distortion design. Crossover: Acoustic fourth order, at 190 Hz and 1.9 kHz, optimized for flat off-axis response and phase consistency over a wide Global Axis. Very high quality parts are used from France, Germany, and the U.S., including proprietary film-foil capacitors, perfect lay inductors, film-foil resistors, and high purity copper internal wiring. Binding Posts: Double sets of five-way rhodium posts enabling bi-wiring. Ambience Driver: 1" treated fabric dome with Wave Guide and transmission-line rear wave loading. Ambience circuit uses Dimensional Control (effects level) to compensate for room acoustics and soundstage depth. Frequency Response: 18 Hz-40 kHz -6 dB (20Hz-25 kHz, +/- 3 dB) Impedance: 6 ohms avg. (8 ohms M/T; 4 ohms woofer) Recommended Power: 20 watts up to 500 watts music power. Sensitivity: 92 dB @ 1w/1m using 2.83V. Finishes: Piano Black or African Hazelwood veneer. MSRP: $12,000 - $14,000 USD/pr depending on finish*

VR-11SE Specifications System Type: Dynamic-driver six-way system using acoustic suspension and three-piece stacking enclosure system; adaptive room correction unit supplied for accurate sound in any environment. Woofer Tuning: Acoustic suspension design yielding the tightest mid-bass and sub-bass reproduction possible, without the added problem of "one note bass", often associated with vented designs. Large subwoofer cabinet design enables accurate sub-bass reproduction down to 10Hz. The dual 15� subwoofers, located on the rear of each cabinet, are driven by an onboard 1,000 watt amplifier. These amplifiers employ adjustments to compensate for varying room conditions. See owners manual for details. Cabinet and Bracing: A two-inch thick front baffle, sidewalls, and rear baffle provides exceptional vibration control and image solidity, while one-inch HDF interlocking braces provide exceptional rigidity and freedom from boxy colorations. The internal damping consists of thick acoustic felt lining, foam and Dacron stuffing to eliminate cavity resonances. Large casters are provided for ease of movement. Size (per channel): Height: 90", Width Front: 11", Width Rear: 21", Depth: 30". Weight (per channel): Woofer module (x2): 268 lbs each, M/T module: 157 lbs., Total Weight Per Channel: 693 lbs. Driver Complement (per channel): 15" Kevlar-Nomex honeycomb woofers (x2), 8.5" magnesium mid-basses (x4), 7" carbon Kevlar-cellulose Aerogel midrange drivers (x2), 1.5" dual-concentric silk ring tweeters (x2), 5" aluminum ribbon supertweeters (X2). All drivers use a proprietary Advanced Motor System with low distortion design. Crossover: Proprietary film and foil capacitors, air-core inductors, military-spec film-foil resistors. Crossover points and architecture are classified. Binding Posts: Three sets of five-way terminal posts enabling tri-wiring. Single wire can be used direct to M/T with jumpers to the woofer cabinets. Ambience Driver: Rear-firing 5" aluminum ribbon. Ambience circuit uses Dimensional Control (effects level) to compensate for room acoustics and soundstage depth. Provides a Global Axis polar response pattern to simulate live musical reproduction. Fine Tuning Adjustments: Subwoofer level control and frequency tuning variable from 50Hz to 100Hz (set flat at 75Hz, volume at 10 o'clock). Front tweeter level control adjustment centered at 4kHz with 3dB gain and 18dB cut. Front supertweeter level control adjustment centered at 20kHz with 16dB gain and 5dB cut. Subwoofer Amplifier Power: 1000 watts rms Class D technology. (one amplifier powers each subwoofer). System total is 4000 watts rms, 8,000 watts peak. Frequency Response: 10-100 kHz, +/- 6 dB (16-50 kHz +/- 3 dB) Impedance: 8 ohms avg. (5 ohm dips between 200Hz-300 Hz and 6kHz-12kHz). Recommended Power: 20 watts up to 1000 watts (music power). Sensitivity: 96 dB @ 1w/1m using 2.83 v. (99 dB with subwoofer and supertweeter boost settings). Finishes: Hi-Gloss Piano Black. Premium finishes available, please call for quotation. MSRP: $150,000 - $200,000/ USD a pair depending on finish and options. Picture of Jason Parmenter & the Von Schweikert VR11 loudspeaker.

Quicksilver Triode Mono Block Valve Amplifiers. An all new Quicksilver amplifier makes its debut. The only amplifier of its kind in their lineup, the new model runs in triode configuration. The aptly named Triode Amplifier uses a pair of KT-88 tubes producing 50 delicious triode watts, enough to drive a wide range of speakers. Designer, Mike Sanders believes in solid engineering and proven concepts over current fads. His amplifiers are simple in design, conservative in execution and constructed using the time honored concept of point to point wiring - all by hand, and 100% made in the USA. Its this no nonsense approach that has earned him the respect of many and established a large group of devoted fans. No question, the new Triode Amp will further his reputation! The Quicksilver Triode Amp operates with a wider selection of tubes than any previous Quicksilver amplifier. Fit it with 6550s, EL34s, 6L6s, or any of the KT-series output tubes, and use any input or driver tube with a 12-volt filament and standard plate-grid cathode connections (12AX7, 12AT7, 12AU7, etc.). An on-board bias meter allows individual adjustment of each output tube, and the driver stage, direct-coupled to the output tubes, holds each tube to the selected bias, reducing fluctuations and improving tube life. With low-noise power supplies and circuitry, the Triode Amp sounds clean even with very efficient speakers, and triode operation from input to output makes for pristine sound quality at very low levels but still provides enough power to drive less efficient speakers. The wide range of output tube bias settings lets you adjust the Triode Amp to a variety of speakers. A power supply with two power transformers and 180 Joules of energy storage provides effortless dynamic response, transmitting the full musical impact of sudden shifts from soft to loud. The Quicksilver Triode Amps have a chrome plated chassis and carbide black transformer cover.

For over twenty years (founded in 1981), Quicksilver Audio has been supplying some of the industry's most reliable full-tube products. Owner/designer Mike Sanders has built a loyal following of devoted clientele who appreciate the practical, well built and great sounding gear he designs.

The new Quicksilver Reference Full Preamplifier achieves maximum sound quality with minimal signal paths, minimal switching, and no transistors, regulators or circuit boards. Its massive power supply is housed in a subchassis within the main preamp allowing tremendous dynamic range and transient attack without the limitations of a separate power supply. The output impedance is so low that it will drive a 30 ohm load without the use of solid state devices or transformers. The internal phono stage provides analog enthusiasts state-of-the-art disc playback from a circuit that uses both active and passive RIAA eq.

Specifications
Bandwidth 0.01 Hz to 300 KHz +0, -3 db, 10K load
IM Distortion less than 0,02% at 2 volts output
Harmonic Distortion less than 0.02% at 2 volts output from 10 Hz to 40 KHz
Gain: Line - 18.5 db from dual mono 41 stepped attenuators
Phono - 41 db at 1 KHz
Input Impedance:
Line - 75 Kohm
Phono - 47 Kohm
Output Impedance 1.5 ohms
Output Polarity Line - inverting
Phono - noninverting
Maximum Input 30 volts RMS 20 Hz to 20 KHz
Maximum Output 60 volts RMS 20 Hz to 20 KHz
Hum and Noise less than 10 microvolts RMS
Residual IHF weighted
Gain control at minimum
Tube Complement
Line: 2-12AX7 & 1-6H30
Phono: 1-12AX7 & 1-6N1P
Head Phone output Jack

Stockfisch, the label for audiophile recordings and specials: selected Vinyl releases, DSD-recordings released as SACD ... the label for guitar-oriented music and high-quality recordings for audiophiles! It all began with the recordings of Werner L�mmerhirt and David Qualey... For more than 30 years, the Stockfisch label has been releasing the work of well and not-so-well known artists from the European guitar scene, the 70's Folk revival and has paid special attention to the singer/songwriter scene! In addition to well known stars, Stockfisch-Records offers an interesting line-up of the newest discoveries in the singer/songwriter scene!

I have just purchased this pair of Duos in Mercedes silver with matching bass cabinets they look and sound amazing. My system is Airtight ATM-1, CEC cd Player, Garrard 301 with SME IV in custom plinth, custom valve phono stage, I will soon be ordering a Airtight ATC-2 preamp from Parmenter sound.com. My twin daughters Jade and Ella are in front, they are being trained daily not to touch or go near the duos. Chris Culverwell 24.03.2008

We begin with the Xindak DAC 5 and do extensive rework of all sections of the circuitry. Power supply rectifiers are upgraded and filter caps bypassed with polypropylene caps. A Tent Engineering clock on our own board with shunt regulation replaces the stock crystal oscillator. Audio signal caps are replaced with Auricaps and Dynamicaps and op amps are upgraded. One of our custom shunt regulators is installed to feed the analog section of the AD1852 DAC chip. The tube output section is redesigned and controlled by our custom active loads. We�ve literally spent years scrutinizing the utilization of the best topology for each stage, best form of regulation and best passive components! All this adds up to a DAC that has to be heard to be fully appreciated. The usual clich�s describing current audio equipment just can�t describe what the XD-1 brings to an audio experience. Specifications Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz (+ 0.5 dB) THD: < 0.0016% S/N Ratio: > 100dB (Co-axial); > 105 dB (Balanced) Unbalanced Outputs: 2 (one solid-state and one vacuum tube) Balanced Output: 1 (solid-state) Digital Inputs: Optical and coaxial (XLR optional) Channel Separation: > 90 dB Dynamic Range: >100 dB Weight: 16.5 Lbs (7.5Kg) Dimensions: 17"(W)x4.3"(H)x14"(D) (430x110x345 mm)

This reference monitor takes the best of the original Monitor 40 even further, and is optimised for home use - producing a tight, dynamic and incredibly revealing presentation.

Designer Alan Shaw has created a speaker which is completely transparent and paints a 3D holographic sound stage which is totally addictive for its neutrality. (View videos of the speaker's careful development in the Harbeth Research Centre.)

The flagship Harbeth of the Harbeth family is the new Monitor 40.1, developed from the hugely respected Monitor 40 widely used in the sound editing and broadcast industry as a control room monitor - and at home around the world. The inspiration of the M40.1 design is the BBC LS5/5 the world's first plastic-coned three-way loudspeaker. Although originally developed for professional use in BBC control rooms where many pairs are in use, the Monitor 40/40.1 have been adopted as a domestic reference system, and where space permits brings the ultimate in natural sound to the serious home listener.

Whilst the professional version is finished in hard wearing textured paint (and fitted with a Speakon connector) this domestic version is crafted in real wood cherry or eucalyptus veneer and is fitted with two binding post terminals for simplicity and ease of connection. The best possible performance is achieved in a normal domestic room when the Monitor 40.1 is used on appropriately rigid stands in a moderately damped environment and as far away from the wall as possible. The in-room smoothness of response is excellent, and in a suitable room a controlled and realistic bass response down to 25Hz is possible.

It's not easy to ascribe a sonic characteristic to the Monitor 40.1: nor does it have one.

I would like to highly recommend the Pass Labs INT 150 Integrated amplifier as a excellent allround pre-power combination to match with the Harbeth Monitor 40.1 and the Harbeth SHL5 Loudspeakers.
The Pass Labs & Harbeth combination has real synergy to the music. If you have Harbeth speakers and thinking about a amplifier to match please audition the Pass Labs INT 150 integrated amplifier.
Cheers Jason.

Heralded as one of the best monitor speakers available under $3000/USD pr, the LSA1 Statements are a musical work of art. The Statement monitor's totally rebuilt crossover boasts Auricap capacitors, Mills wire-wound resistors, lambs wool damping and a massive 12 gauge air core ribbon inductor. The higher current capability of the inductor yields better dynamics and more control of low frequencies, enabling the Statements to deliver convincing bass down to and below 30 cycles. Our design team spent countless hours performing measurements and listening tests while incorporating a premium grade folded ribbon tweeter. Integration is seamless. High frequency performance is detailed, effortless and extended flat beyond 30kHz. The Statement monitors convey music in its most natural and uninhibited form - always detailed, engaging, and supremely organic. Several patrons have reported loss of sleep as a 'side effect' of ownership, due to extended evening listening sessions. We receive this as the music lover's highest form of praise. Finishes Black Ash, Rosewood Veneer Connectivity Bi-wire recommended, jumpers provided Tweeter Folded Ribbon in Statement Mid-bass 6 1/4" Treated Paper Frequency Response 45 - 20kHz (45 - 34KHz in Statement) Crossover Point 3KHz Impedance 6Ω Efficiency 88dB Dimensions (Imperial) 13 1/2" (H) x 14 1/2" (D) x 8 3/4" (W) Dimensions (Metric) 34.5 cm (H) x 37 (D) x 22 (W) Weight 24lb / 10.88KG

Integrated two-channel hybrid tube/solid state amplifier whose output is 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms and a whopping 800 wpc at 1.3 ohms. At 78 pounds, the amp is massively overbuilt in all stages, inside and out. The amplification stage is class AB solid state with special topology to reduce heat and yet produce a high linear output. The pre-amp section employs two 6922 tubes (one per channel) to give the sound a tube quality to mate with the very high output solid-state section. It also employs the use of the Cardas Golden Ratio bypass capacitors in critical circuit areas. There are a total of five inputs. One is a balanced XLR, three are standard but high quality gold RCA's and there is also a phono input for MM cartridges and hi-output MC's. It is isolated from the rest of the circuitry to limit noise. The man responsible for the design and sound of the LSA amps is John Tucker. John is also the brains and talent behind Exemplar Audio where he builds, designs and sells all kinds of high-end products from modifications of existing electronics to his own designs of amps and speakers. He is well known in the audio industry for his uncompromised designs and mods, but he keeps a rather low profile and is not as well known by the average audiophile simply because he does not turn out thousands of products each year. He hand builds everything one at a time, but the fortunate people who own his products know all about him mostly by word of mouth from people who have tried "the rest" and found his stuff to be the Holy Grail. It is a testament to his skills that LSA and Exemplar brands are hardly ever seen on Audiogon or other second hand audio boards. People tend to keep them and if they do list them, it is almost always because they are upgrading to another LSA or Exemplar.

There is no doubt in my mind that Masataka Tsuda's designs push the state-of-the-art forward, in both solid-state and vacuum tube design arenas. Now that's a remarkable feat! His "secrets" have nothing to do with complicated and overly designed circuitry, but reside in the potent combination of a minimalist (but not too simple), Zen-like design philosophy and perfectionist execution focused on parts quality and circuit layout. The end result is fantastic transparency and clarity � a closer approach to the live experience in the home. In particular, I cannot imagine life without the Concert Fidelity CF-080 line preamplifier. It is the best of the best; king of the hill, and it gives me great pleasure to declare the CF-080 as my new reference." By Dick Olsher.

Another ideal companion to the Concert Fidelity CF-080LS Line Stage Preamp. Based on an acclaimed Philips multi-bit processor, and with a vacuum tube buffer stage, extracts every bit of information from standard CD’s, without relying on any kind of up-sampling, over-sampling, etc. and raises expectations for red book audio CD’s to a new level. Advances the state-of-the-art of CD reproduction, just as we celebrate the 25 years since introduction of CD Audio. Access to vacuum tubes from outside rear panel encouraging tube rolling. Concert Fidelity DAC-040 Digital to Analog Converter An irresistible treat! Conclusion At the end of the day I have to confess that I'm unable to resist the DAC-040's siren call. Vivid harmonic colors, superb rendition of instrumental timbres, and an analog-like presentation that draws the listener into a spacious and solid soundstage. Zero oversampling truly is a gateway to a kinder, gentler, and ultimately more musical digital experience. It's hard to believe that a NOS Philips multi-bit DAC chipset can be engineered to put current 24-bit/196kHz Delta-Sigma DACs to shame, at least in musical terms. But then, as I'm sure that Mr. Tsuda would agree, it was never about the specifications. Specifications Type: Digital to analog converter Digital Inputs: One S/PDIF Output: One pair single ended (RCA) D/A Converter: Philips Multi-Bit 16-bit DAC Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz Tube Complement: Two 12AU7 for gain and one 6CA4 for rectification Phase: Non-Inverting Dimensions: 100 x 450 x 310mm (HxWxD in mm) Weight: 14 lb..

AT SILICON ARTS DESIGN, we have gone to fanatic extremes to simplify and optimize our circuitry and layout so that our electronics can eliminate as much as possible of what stands between the music signal and the listener.

Our designs implement our unique Direct Signal Path Technology (DSPT), which follows Einstein’s maxim that things should be made as simple as possible but no simpler!

We believe that once you hear our electronics, you will become much more attuned to, and less tolerant of, the opaqueness and colorations and dulling of electronics which contain too many parts and too much compensating circuitry.

Through a Zen-like fusion of creativity and simplicity, we have allowed the least circuitry to suffice. We believe you will find the results simply profound!

Specifications:
* Input : RCA only
* Input Sensitivity : 2V for Rated Power
* Power Output : 120W / 8Ohm; 200W / 4Ohm
* Frequency Response : 0.5Hz to 30KHz (±0dB); 0.5Hz to 100KHz (-0.8dB) at 0.125W
* Input Impedance : Selectable between 20KOhm (for use with solid-state linestages) and 100KOhm (for use with tube linestages)
* Voltage Gain : 20dB
* Power Consumption : 140W (Operation)
* Dimensions : 450mm (W) X 150mm (H) X 360mm (D)
* Net Weight : approx. 20KG per monoblock

MondoTraps ($299.99) and Corner MondoTraps ($349.99) offer more absorption at low frequencies than any other bass trap product we know of. As you can see on the Product Data page they absorb twice as much as MiniTraps below 100 Hz, and proportionally more above 100 Hz too. When very high performance at the lowest frequencies matters more than anything else, MondoTraps are the obvious choice. Four models are available including two that are shorter and thicker to compensate.

RFZ PANELS

RealTraps RFZ panels ($249.99) are the perfect way to treat the first reflection points on the side walls and ceiling. They have a beveled front surface for an attractive appearance, and their 32x42 inch size also creates a larger Reflection-Free Zone than typical 2x4 foot panels.

RealTraps have made a huge improvement to my demonstration audio room, I can not recommend them highly enough to all audiophiles who would like to get the best from their audio systems.
Improvements are in better bass definition and kick, more air & separation to voices & instruments plus deeper soundstaging front to back.
Soundstaging is layered with better tonal definition and placement now.

Very highly recommended by Jason Parmenter.

Herbie`s Audio Lab Iso-Cup, Lampblack Ball and Hi-End base, Set of 3.
Herbie's Iso-Cup is formulated specifically to address vibration problems unique to vacuum tube amplifiers, such as transformer vibration, tube sensitivity, and proximity of capacitors to chassis vibration, while bringing out more of the amplifiers' inherent sonic potential and dynamics. Although Iso-Cups are most effective with open-chassis tube amplifiers, they also provide superb isolation/decoupling for most other audio and video components.

Iso-Cup: Pillowy soft, platinum-cured silicone reduces glare, fuzz, sibilance, and artificial harshness caused by micro-vibrations. Frosted clear blends aesthetically with any audio/video system.

Lampblack Ball: Maintains a linear frequency response with full-bodied dynamics and texture; deeply extended, punctual bass; intricate highs; smooth dynamics with plenty of punch and detail; superb imaging and soundstage; perfect tone/timbre. Provides microdynamic speed that Iso-Cup alone would not achieve. Iso-Cup holds hard Lampblack ball in place; ball does not roll.

Hi-End Base: Optional stainless steel base features a broad concave depression filled flat with silicone gel to absorb downward pressures exerted by the Iso-Cup ball and prevent any potential counter-vibration within the Iso-Cup body. Achieves a highly organic musical result.

Combination of Iso-Cup, Lampblack Ball and Hi-End base brings tube amplifier performance to an elite standard at the top of the hi-end footers class.

Recommended for tube amplifiers weighing from 14 to 80 pounds (6-36kg), up to 100 pounds with four Iso-Cups (for amps heavier than 100 pounds, use more Iso-Cups or Extra-Firm Big Tall Tenderfeet).

Dimensions, Iso-Cup, ball and base: 1.5

Cardas Clear speaker & Interconnect cable are Parmenter Sound`s reference cables, Cardas Clear cables are very highly recommended to audiophiles who want the absolute best in sound quality. Cardas Clear speaker cable is the outgrowth of years of intense refinements to every aspect of speaker cable design. New metallurgical drawing and refining techniques have yielded a new, extremely low eddy current copper. The geometry is a perfect mirror, matched propagation design that is as near to perfection as any ever envisioned. The connectors and the connection techniques are, without a doubt, the best ever devised. Clear Speaker cable is perfect for most amplifier/speaker combinations. Outside Diameter: .600 Dielectric Type: Teflon® Inductance: .0176 uh/ft/loop Capacitance: 278 pf pf/ft Bi Wire Option: No Cable AWG: 7.5 Conductor Type: Perfect Mirror Quadaxial A new form of termination where the spades are crush forged onto the cable to create one solid copper junction. Parmenter Fat Boy Horn speakers are internally wired with Cardas Clear Speaker cables.

Mirel is the happy new owner of a pair of red Avantgarde Duo Omega speakers. Pictured here shaking Jason Parmenter hand on the day of delivery of his Avantgarde Duo Omega horn speakers.

Cardas - Double Banana Plug connector
Double Banana plug , non-magnetic, eutectic Brass , Rhodium over Silverplate, Brass nut, Gold Plate.

Pass Labs XA60.5 mono block Class A amplifiers. Class A output 60 watts in to 8 ohms. Class A output 120 watts into 4 ohms. The newly introduced XA.5 series incorporates all the improvements of the new X.5 series (see below) and also operate pure Class A. The distortion is even lower, the control is even better. More importantly, the XA.5 amplifiers have tremendously larger output current capacity over their corresponding XA models - more than five times the current - which is more than 25 times the power into very low impedance loads. Very difficult loudspeakers are now very appropriate loads for XA.5s. Sonically the result is: Greater power and control - No matter what your loudspeaker, the X.5 and XA.5 power amplifiers have the power and stability essential to deliver the music without strain. They have the dynamic range to do justice to the 24 bit recordings of the 21st Century and the elegance to retrieve the micro dynamics offered by the most sensitive loudspeakers. This simplicity and power moves easily from total silence to explosive transients with ease and without information loss. In 2007 Pass Labs applied the ".5" advances to the XA series of amplifiers, with the XA100.5, XA60.6, and XA30.5. These revisions dramatically lower distortion and noise and also dramatically improved the performance of the amplifiers into low impedance loads. Dimensions 19"W x 7.5"H x 20"D Weight 75 Lbs each mono block.

"The Pass Labs XA 100.5 amplifiers are wonderful musical instruments and must be auditioned if you are looking at upgrading your current amplifiers, this applies for people who have in the past only been valve amplifier biased. The Pass Labs XA 100.5 amplifiers offer a musical refinement and control to the sound that is fully addictive and a sonic performance playback that only a elite few amplifiers can come close to reproducing. These are my Reference solid state amplifiers & very highly recommended." By Jason Parmenter. The Pass Labs XA 100.5 mono block amplifiers are able to drive nearly any stereo system with headroom to spare, the XA100.5 Mono amplifiers shows what a grown up Class A amp can do, reproducing everything from intimate acoustic instrumentals to epic crescendos with accuracy and ease, presenting a lifelike soundstage with power to spare. Considered by many to be the epitome of Class A amplification, these 100 watt per channel mono blocks will take any speaker system to new heights of detail and ease. See table below for specs: Product: XA100.5 Gain (dB) 26 / 30 Sensitivity @ 26 dB gain (V) 1.41 Sensitivity @ 30 dB gain (V) 0.89 Low Frequency Response 1.5 Hz High Frequency Response 100 KHz Power Output /ch (8 ohm) 100 Power Output /ch (4 ohm) 200 Distortion, (1 KHz, full power) 1% Maximum Output (Volts) 41 Maximum Output (Amps) 28 Input Impedance (Kohms) 30 / 20 Damping Factor 200 Slew Rate (V/uS) 50 Output Noise (uV) 200 Input CMRR (dB) -60 DC Offset (V) 0.05 Leaves Class A at pk Watts: 200 Power Consumption (W) 300 Temperature (deg C.) 53 Dimensions (W x H x D): 19 x 9 x 19 Inches Weight each mono block: 110 Lbs

The Tannoy Westminster Royal SE, top of the Tannoy Prestige range, is one of the largest speakers designed for domestic use. It features a 15-inch Dual Concentric™ driver with an AlNiCo magnet system and the Tannoy PepperPost WaveGuide™, mounted in a 530 litre horn-loaded cabinet, 1395 mm tall, 980 mm wide, constructed of walnut veneer with solid walnut trim detail. Front panel crossover controls allow the unit to be fine-tuned for musical preferences and listening environment.

Forget hi-fi. Tannoy Prestige speakers are designed and built like fine musical instruments, producing startlingly immediate, dynamic, and utterly captivating sound, rich in tone, as close to a live performance as anything in audio. No matter what your musical tastes, whether jazz, reggae, electronic, classical, hard rock, or whatever, the Tannoy Dual Concentric design is a magical antidote to clinical high-end loudspeaker alternatives.

The Westminster Royal works magnificently in spaces ranging in size from a large sitting room to substantial halls, and in all interior decors, from traditional to contemporary. It can be powered by low-powered valve amps, including single-ended triodes, or high-powered solid-state monoblocs, with both bi-wiring and bi-amping options.

Specifications

Recommended amplifier power 50 to 225 Watts
Frequency response 18 Hz to 22 kHz, -6 dB
Sensitivity 99 dB, 2.83 V at 1 m
Nominal impedance 8 Ohms
Dimensions 1395 x 980 x 560 mm
Weight 138 kg each
Finish Walnut veneer with solid walnut edging and trim detail

EMM Labs XDS1 SACD the Worlds best digital playback Parmenter Sound. Our goal for this new XDS1 CD/SACD Reference Player/Converter is nothing less than a quantum leap in sonic performance. And to deliver that, inside its sculpted aluminum chassis is a silky smooth Esoteric drive mated to the industry's most sophisticated Meitner electronics. We started by purifying our analog circuitry. Instead of the two to three gain stages typical of most player output sections, the XDS1 features just one cohesive gain stage from DAC to output. The circuitry is discrete (no chips), balanced, hand-matched, and operates in pure Class A. At EMM Labs, we develop and manufacture our own proprietary conversion circuitry in-house. For the XDS1, we created something truly extraordinary - the cost-no-object MDAC-1 module. In tandem with our new MCLK-1 clock module which sets a new benchmark in sub-picosecond jitter performance, the result is musically astonishing. The XDS1 also features our most refined Meitner Digital Audio Translator (MDAT™) processing yet. Conventional digital players convert a digital signal (the ones and zeroes) to analog by processing it through a reconstruction filter that uses interpolation (oversampling) to smooth the analog waveform. The process works beautifully in the frequency domain, but in the time domain, errors are introduced in the form of pre and post ringing. With MDAT processing, there is no pre and post ringing. Which is why MDAT - unlike any other processing technology extant - is unique in its ability to preserve the phase, frequency and dynamic integrity of the waveform. Once you've heard this level of improvement in terms of resolution, nuance and dynamic shading, there's no going back. Most converters utilize PLL (Phase Lock Loop) circuits to lock onto the incoming data stream. For the XDS1, we developed the MFAST™ (Meitner Frequency Acquisition System) technology. MFAST has two distinct advantages over PLLs. It's a high-speed asynchronous system that acquires any data stream almost instantaneously. Secondly, unlike PLLs that merely attenuate jitter, MFAST is immune to incoming jitter and strips it out of the audio stream completely. Hook a digital audio or video source to the XDS1 - computer, music server, MP3 player or whatever you like - MFAST ensures that you'll enjoy pristine sonic clarity no matter what the source. Not only is our new high-isolation resonant-mode power supply the greenest we've ever built, it is also the quietest, outperforming even the best linear power supplies. All of this encased in our sculpted aluminum chassis, together with a remote control machined from a solid ingot of aluminum. The EMM Labs XDS1 Reference CD/SACD Player. Everything about it is better than everything that has come before it.

Muriwai beach is a 45-50 min drive west of Auckland City New Zealand. It is approximately 17km West of Kumeu, 42 kilometres Northwest of Auckland city, at the southern end of an unbroken 50 kilometre stretch of beach which extends up the Tasman Sea coast to the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour. Surfing is the main pastime at Maori Bay/Muriwai. Other pastimes enjoyed at Maori Bay include paragliding and hang gliding, especially when the prevailing souwesterly wind provides favourable conditions. Fishing is also popular, although dangerous in many places. Bush walking is encouraged, with boardwalks in place. Driving along the beach is popular, especially at fishing contest time, although vehicles have been mass stranded in past years. Sand yachts are available for hire at the local beach store. There are also many mountain bike trails up in the pines, mainly downhill and freeride trails. Sand and Rock, Older volcanic material, with many concretions and layers in the cliff walls. A blowhole plays often. The shore platform is also well jointed, with the main rock type being piha conglomerate. Black sand beach It is also unique because of its black sand, caused by the iron content derived from the ancient volcanoes in the area. The majority of the black mineral sand is carried up the west coast from Mt Taranaki through the process of longshore drift. This sand is igneous material that was eroded from the volcanic area. Despite this, the area has retained much of its natural beauty and isolation. Muriwai Beach Regional Park Much of the land at the southern end of the beach is part of the Muriwai Beach Regional Park. Maori Bay (to the south) is separated from Muriwai Beach by a steep cliffs and rocky nesting areas that are home to the region's only gannet colony. The district of Muriwai was formed 17 million years ago when volcano 1000 metres below the ocean surface started to form an island, which now forms the Waitakere Ranges to the south of the beach. When the ocean returned to its present level 6,500 years ago, the black Holocene sand dunes were formed by material carried north from Mt Taranaki by prevailing sea currents. Until the 1930’s the area behind the beach was mostly bare moving sand dunes 4-6 km wide. The pine forest, planted firstly as a government stabilation program, and after the Second World War as a commercial logging operation, continues to be harvested in a 15-20 year cycle. The area is a natural home to a wide range of wild life including the New Zealand Fur Seal colony on Oaia Island and at the creek north of the patrolled swimming area, a nesting for the endangered Doteral, the little Blue Penguin nests at Maori Bay while on Otakamiro point an ever expanding colony of Australian Gannets are in residents from August to February each year. The name Muriwai was not widely used until the 1920’s and means back water or lagoon and was traditionally applied to the lower portion of the Muriwai stream behind the lodge and the Top Shop. Prior to that time the beach between Papakanui Spit at the entrance to the Kaipara Harbor in the north to Toaraerae (Flat Rock) some 40km south was known as Te One Rangatira (The Chiefly Beach), Up until the 1920’s the area was known as Motutara which means ‘Island of sea Birds’. The first people to occupy the area were the ‘Turehu’ “those who arose from the earth”. Small groups of Maori occupied pa (fortified village) sites on the point and on the hill north of the stream. Occupation is evident with middens and earth works at campsite in Maori Bay. Europeans first visited the area in 1820 when Samuel Marsden an early Missionary recorded the black sand hills. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the 1870 and 1880’s with the first store was opened in 1888.

I use the Cardas Golden Reference power cords to power my Lamm ML2.1 mono blocks and the Pass Labs XA30.5 amplifier in 2 of my audio systems at Parmenter Sound, what can I say but a confirmed Yes, Power cords do make a big difference to audio systems sound quality. I have to agree totally with Art Dudley review comments below. "As I suggested, the Cardas Golden Reference made a consistently identifiable improvement in the sound of the relatively humble Ayre amp ($2950): Silences were silenter, sonic events were clearer, and the whole music-making shebang had an altogether more natural feel. Now I've had a chance to use the Cardas Golden References with other products in my system, and I'm impressed all to hell and back. Used to power my Lamm ML2.1 monoblock amplifiers, the Cardas cords did the same tricks as with the Ayre. Used to power my Quad ESL-989 electrostatic loudspeakers, the Cardases made their presence more well known. Deeply pitched strings, such as the double basses in the second movement of Tchaikovsky's Symphony 5 with Valery Gergiev and the Vienna Philharmonic (CD, Philips 289 462 905-2), had noticeably more thrumm and were easier to feel. My system's sense of scale and ultimate stage width also seemed to increase when I used the Cardas cords on my Quads, the players in the last rows of second violinists on one side and the double-bassists on the other appearing more spread out from one another. With those Cardas cables in place, I then tried a third Golden Reference on the Linn Linto phono preamp I was using at the timeand my astonishment went up another notch." Review from Stereophile magazine, Class A rating By Art Dudley, March 2006. The Golden Reference power cord provides the ultimate current flow, excellent isolation between components and broad band power line filtration. It is shielded, includes a toroidal filter and is relatively flexible for its size.

MODEL 30.2 SME Model 30 - turntable only $36,000 USD SME Model 30 - includes Series V tonearm $40,000 USD The ultimate turntable. The Model 30 is compact and incredibly dense, weighing in at 90 lbs. The Model 30 employs an ingenious suspension system, using a combination of elastomers and silicone to achieve an almost zero Q suspension. The main bearing which supports the over 15 lb. platter has such tight tolerances it requires a diluted watch oil to be properly lubricated! The SME platter mat has a unique combination of high shear stiffness and effective vertical damping to eliminate the energy feedback from the platter back into the record. The mechanically decoupled brushless three-phase motor eliminates cogging to ensure precise speed control, and also provides high torque to pull through the highest of dynamic passages with breeze. The combination of compact high mass, non-resonant materials, and speed stability in the motor/bearing assembly, provides a playback system that will astonish you with shear dynamics, clarity, and noise free background. All SME arms are compatible. Blank arm boards are available for other tonearms. The outboard power supply has 33, 45, and 78 speeds. 17.75

Mr Hyodo has now decided to design a new power amplifier using the same KT66 tube but incorporating high-end audio grade components, far superior to those used in the original QUAD design. TWO CHOICES OF OUTPUT TUBES: KT-66 AND OPTIONAL 6CA7 (EL34) By switching two selectors inside of the cabinet, you can use either KT-66 or 6CA7 (EL34) KT-66 or 6CA7 (EL34) KT-66 or 6CA7(EL34)KT-66 or 6CA7 (EL34) , a LED indicator at the foot of each tube will change its colour and show you which tube is in use. You also can use several other tubes of different sound characteristic. STEREO/MONO SELECTOR SWITCH You can use CS-660P as a monaural power amplifier by changing the selector switch giving an 80W output power.(40W x 2 when used as a stereo power amp.) FLAT AND WIDE FREQUENCY RESPONSE A wide frequency response from 10Hz to 100KHz (-0dB) caters for digital audio formats such as SACD/HDCD. OTHER FEATURES Twin-triode tube 6CS7 for the first-stage amplification. WBT type speaker terminals. Large capacity choke-coil: 400mA Dumper tube 6CJ3 is applied to delay a supply of high voltage (B-Voltage) to output tubes in order to protect output tubes from damage and to increase tube life. All high-end audio grade electrical components (condensors, resistors) Operation indicator lights up when the tubes are warmed up. Wood Side-Panels. CS-660P SPECIFICATIONS TUBES COMPLIMENT (4) KT-66, (EL34/6CA7 Option) (4) 6CS7 (1) 6CJ3 OUTPUT POWER - (STEREO/MONO SELECTOR SWITCH) Stereo 40W x 2 (KT-66) at 1KHz. Monaural 80W X 1 (KT-66) at 1KHz. FREQUENCY RESPONSE - 10Hz - 180KHz. (-3dB) DISTORTION 0.7%(10W) INPUT SENSITIVITY 1.5V at 40W INPUT IMPEDANCE 100K Ohms. OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 4/6/8/16 Ohms (Selectable) POWER CONSUMPTION 230W WEIGHT 17.0 Kgs. DIMENSIONS 415 (W) X 480 (H) X 320 (D) mm

The Leben HiFi RS-28CX is equipped with the CR type equalizer based on GE(General Electric/USA) 12AT7 authorized by J.A.N.(Joint Army & Navy) standard of US Army, and can reproduce a very high quality and clear sound without adding any NFB. To avoid compromising on sound quality ,one of the solutions we adapted to totally protect the sensitive CR type equalizer from negative effects was to develop a separate power supply unit. Likewise, some of the finest available high-end audio components were selected for the RS28C to keep the deflection of the RIAA curve below +/-0.3%. Of course, the phono equalizer is only one of the strengths of the RS28C. Another notable feature is a very strong output voltage created by the Dual-Triode Tube 6CG7 of General Electric(USA) used for the line stage. Leben further selected the best quality tubes out of these and constructed a powerful SRPP type amplification which can supply power amplifiers with a maximum 80V of clean output signal. In considering the fact that output voltage of a standard preamplifier is more or less 40V, the RS28C can output about two times as much voltage, which will drive power amplifiers with very low input sensitivity. Likewise, for using the RS28C with a high sensitivity power amplifier, a 5-step attenuator is present in order to eliminate residual noise from speakers. Leben also included two outputs (one fixed and one variable) in order to cope with requirements for adding a Sub-Woofer. RS-28CX SPECIFICATIONS - TUBE COMPLIMENT - 2 x 6CG7 (G.E.) 2 x 12AT7 (G.E.) 1 x 5Y3WGT - PHONO AMPLIFIER - Gain 20.2dB RIAA Curve Less than �}0.3dB. Max. Input 400mV (2KHz.) - LINE AMPLIFIER - Gain 25.2dB Max. Output 80V (Variable) & 80V(fixed) Output Impedance 580 Ohms Remaining Noise 0.03mV - WEIGHT - Main Body 7.0 Kg Power Supply 6.5 Kg - DIMENSIONS - Main Body 352(W) x 240(D) x 175(H) mm Power Supply 233(w) x 240(d) x 175(H) mm

Leben Hi Fi CS 300-XS Integrated valve amplifier. CS-300X(S) Hi Fi Plus magazine "Product of the year award" on October 2009 Issue(Issue #68) 6moons.com/audioreviews/leben/cs300x.html Leben CS-300X Integrated Amplifier was selected as The Best Amplifier of the Year 2005 by USA magazine 6-moons RESISTORS: Precision Industrial Grade +/-1% FIRST-STAGE BY-PASS CONDENSOR: An ultimate audio condensor "OS Condensor" developped by "SANYO" LAST-STAGE BY-PASS CONDENSOR: Silk-Shielded "SILMIC Condensor" developped by "ELNA" JOINT CONDENSOR: "Metalized Polypropylene Condensor" with "Mesh-Shielding". NF OVERSHOOT PREVENTION CONDENSOR: Copper-leaf Styrol Condensor. CATHODE RESISTOR: 4W type.(Instead of 3W type) DIODE: TOSHIBA 3TH41 for Damper. OUTPUT TRANSFORMER: Newly developped Transformer with wider range for high frequency. WBT type binding post. Tube Shield-Base: 24K gold plated. 24K Gold-Plated Knobs. SIDE-WOOD PANEL: Canadian White-Ash". TAPE MONITOR. HEADPHONE OUTPUT. BASS BOOST SWITCH SPEAKER/HEADPHONE SELECTOR. VARIABLE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 4/6/8 OHMS. Operation Lamp Indicator. On-Switch Power Indicator LED. TUBES EQUIPPED - EL84(Sovtek) X 4 5751(G.E.) X 2 OUTPUT POWER - 15W X 2 FREQUENCY RESPONSE - 15Hz - 100KHz (-2 dB) DISTORTION - 0.7%(10W) INPUT SENSITIVITY - 600mV OUTPUT IMPEDANCE - 4/6/8 Ohms (Selectable) POWER CONSUMPTION - 82W WEIGHT - 10.5 Kgs. DIMENSIONS - 360 (W) X 270 (D) X 140 (H) mm ATTACHMENT - Detachable AC Power Cable x 1 Leben HiFi web address: lebenhifi.com

The design, shape and construction of the Grand Crescendo correspond largely to the Crescendo; the dimensions of the sound box, however, are slightly larger and this loudspeaker has a 30 cm coaxial broadband speaker type PHY KM30 SAG. MUSIC IS OUR INSPIRATION "Music the greatest good that mortals know, and all of heaven we have below". We chose this quote, from the English author Joseph Addison (1672-1719), as the motto for our company. Music is our inspiration, our experience of music when we visit a live concert inspires us time and again in our – in all probability endless – search for the ultimate musical reproduction. PHY-HP Since 1997, we have represented the French manufacturer PHY-HP (PHY Haut Parleurs) in the Netherlands, and from 1 January 2007, in the Benelux. PHY-HP is based in the beautiful French countryside, near Montpellier. The company’s range includes a number of unique broadband loudspeaker units. LOUDSPEAKERS Our loudspeakers are the result of many years searching, patience and passion for experiment. We have designed three loudspeakers based on the PHY-HP speakers. The sound boxes are built by traditional methods and largely by hand, following the techniques used in the construction of musical instruments. SEARCH FOR "MAGIC" Our search for the ideal sound box for these unique speakers lasted from 1996 to 2000. During this period, we tried out many designs and materials. The results were generally speaking satisfactory, but the “magic” of a “live” musical performance was not quite there. One fine day in 1999, Bernard Salabert gave us the idea of using Sitca spruce “tonewood” for the boxes, instead of MDF. Sitca spruce is the wood used for the sound boards in pianos, for guitars, violins, cellos and other stringed instruments. Extensive study taught us what we needed to know about how musical instruments are built and, armed with this knowledge, we started a second search, which resulted in the design of a sound box with very thin walls, made entirely from 4 mm solid wood, and with the necessary bracing – like that used in the manufacture of guitars, for example. The design and realisation of this bracing was a real challenge, but the final result is a sound box that is completely free from undesired resonances, and no muffling is required in the box. For the finishing of the boxes, we chose a violin varnish based on shellac, a proven product for high-quality musical instruments. The results obtained were truly astounding – suddenly the magic was there, the sensation of being personally present at the musical performance, with the timbre and the subtlety and richness of the sound of musical instruments. To cut a long story short: this is what we had been looking for all those years.

Audio Racks custom made using white Maple & Plywood shelves. Legs are 70x 70 mm Maple. Shelves are made out of 28 mm Plywood. Herbies Grungebuster Dots are perfect for severe vibration conditions , heavy-duty rack/shelf/platform decoupling, desktop speaker isolation, general decoupling and vibration control (40 mm 3.2mm) placed between the shelf & rack frame. The Audio racks are set up for future use with either Stillpoints or Black Diamond Racing Cones between the shelf and crossbars for extra vibration control. Rack Dimensions: 660 mm Wide x Depth 530 mm x Height 965 mm. The Height includes the Black Diamond Racing Cones that are used for the footers. Matching Maple & Plywood amplifier stands are also available to custom order.

Audio Racks custom made by Parmenter Sound from Maple and laminated plywood.

TruLife Audio Philosophy. Basic features of all TLA products: Single Ended Triode (SET) topology Transformer coupling between all active stages, absolutely no capacitor in the signal path Pure Class A operation throughout Directly Heated Triode (DHT) output stage Zero Feedback . Tubes rectification First class materials and components quality Advantages are: Much more realism and presence Far better perceived dynamic contrasts and immediacy An amazing ability to sort out the musical information and detail Unique harmonic richness and complexity A more relaxed feeling while listening A greater sense of involvement with the music Greater emotional communication Far less perceived dirt and grain in the playback At TLA, we strongly believe in SET topology and all our amplification components are designed purely around this principle. The great virtue of SET amplifiers, preamplifiers and phono preamplifiers is their immediacy, not only their warmth or romantic glow, as some audiophiles have mistakenly urged. A properly designed SET audio component connects the listener directly to the core and the inner meaning of a recorded event in a way that seems completely unmediated by mechanical or electrical devices. Additionally, our products are distinguished in the fact that coupling between all active stages is performed by our unique transformers that are all manually constructed in-house. The same holds true for our highest quality output transformers. We have a gained experience of more than 50 years on transformers winding for various mission-critical industrial, military and medical applications. These transformers distinguish our products from all competitor brands and are our clear uniqueness among all the other products of the market, regardless of price or achieved commercial status. The bandwidth exceeds 2 Megahertz for interstage transformers and 80 kHz for output transformers, completely flat (+/-0.1dB) and without the slightest negative feedback, quite a high achievement! Our components are designed and built at the slightest phase shifts possible, covering and exceeding the limits of the acoustic bandwidth. This is achieved by the application of our special, in-house hand wound interstage and output transformers. The results are under all circumstances noteworthy. Pacing and timing are always in absolute control; the flow of the musical meaning is always perceived in time, with yet unheard tempo. The sense of breath and space is totally captivating; you will notice that the musical performance is naturally located in the recording environment, covering a specific amount of space. You will be able to clearly notice the boundaries of the recording studio, or feel the ‘fresh air' of the environment at the recordings performed outdoors. Harmonic naturalness, richness and complexity are also unique; the acoustical overtones and textures of organs like violin and viola, alto and tenor saxophone, are always clearly distinguishable from the very first note. On top of all, all our products are characterised by stunning immediacy and sheer dynamic swings ; the musical event seems to happen just in front of the listener. One can clearly hear the breath of the performers and feel their effort, energy and passion , preserving at the same time the integrity and wholeness of the performance, which happens almost in front of his eyes. All the above-mentioned characteristics put body and presence into the performance that has more to do with reality than it has to do with common hi-fi criteria. Our products are built to the highest construction standards possible and to last for many years of trouble-free operation. Chassis and power supply cases, are engineered from solid aerospace aluminium blocks, conforming to all US and EU safety standards. Using specific construction methods and techniques, our products are carefully tuned and treated in a special way so as to minimize any influence to sound quality, caused of concentration of acoustical standing waves, resonance and over-damping of vibrations. All parts and components, are carefully selected and checked one by one, judged not only of their top quality and reliability, but as well as of their lowest contribution to the overall sound character.

Specifications Configuration Solid State Chassis Hand Brushed Aluminium Chassis with a Laquer Coating CD Laser Mechanish Philips CDPro II Single Ended SP/DIF, Digital Audio Signal Format: BNC Load Impedance: 75 Ohms Output Impedance: 75 Ohms Output Level: 0.5 Volts, peak to peak @ 75 Ohms AES/EBU, Digital Audio Signal Format: XLR Load Impedance: 110 Ohms Output Impedance: 110 Ohms Output Level: 4 Volts, peak to peak @ 110 Ohms ST (AT&T) Opticsl Audio Signal Standard: ST Optical Interface (glass Optical) Device: HFBR 1412, High-bandwidth Wave Length: 820nm CD 2500 Mk II Output Interfaces (1) Pair RCA Analog, BNC SP/DIF Digital Audio Signal (1) Pair XLR Analog balanced output Single Ended SP/DIF, Digial Audio Signal Format: BNC Load Impedance: 75 Ohms Output Impedance: 75 Ohms Output Level: 0.5 Volts, peak to peak @ 75 Ohms RCA (Analog Audio Signal) Format: Cardas Rhodium plated RCA connectors 5k Ohms minimum, 50k Ohms Maximum Output Impredance: Lower than 100 Ohms Output Level: 2.4 volts effectively Conversion: Crystal CSA4390, 24BIT Type: Delta-Sigma Signal to noise ratio: 115 dB Dynamic Range: 106 dB Oversampling: 128X CD 2500 MK II Player: 18W AC Power Requirements 230 / 240V, 50Hz or 60Hz Remote Control Included (Full Function Hand Brushed Aluminum with a Clear Laquer Coating) Outboard Power Supply Included Overall Dimensions (WHD) 425mm x 150mm x 363mm, 17in x 6in x 14.5in Weight 16 Kg, 35.2 lbs

The 45 Single ended triode amplifiers are switchable to use a 2A3 output tube to give more power output.
Valve rectified power supply and using a 6c45 driver tube.
Double C-Core output transformers used and over specified mains transformers with choke filtered power supply.
Copper chasis with hardwood timber sides.

The MX5050 BIII has long been the standard in 1/4" two-track analog recorders. It features an optimized three-head design and transformerless balanced inputs and outputs to provide superior frequency response, low distortion and high signal-to-noise performance under the most demanding conditions. Record setup adjustments can be made from the front panel, and a convenient built-in oscillator provides test tones for calibration/maintenance. The direct drive capstan motor is servo-controlled, and an integral microprocessor governs tape handling, including dynamic braking, motion sensing and transport logic. A built-in mini-autolocator provides three one-touch cue-point memories, search zero, and a repeat function. The tape timer display shows tape time in Hrs/Min/Sec., as well as tape speed in inches per second and percentage of tape speed. Capstan speed can be varied by ±20% in 0.01% steps using the built-in "pitch" control. Timecode editing using a synchronizer is accomplished via the 37-pin Otari standard parallel interface. The extremely rugged mechanical construction includes a 1/4" deckplate with cast aluminum side panels and steel support members. All circuit boards are designed to swing out or unplug for quick service access. Positive-action transport controls Balanced transformerless XLR I/Os DC capstan, Quartz PLL servo-controlled Built-in mini-autolocator Built-in test oscillator and external oscillator input Variable pitch control (±20%) Front panel record setup adjustments 1/4" deck plate with cast aluminumside panels and steel support members

First and only coaxial driver, as far as we know, that is also time aligned ( the 2 emissive centers are at the same place ) and that is not disturbed by recovering frequencies and a filter right on the most sensible zone for the human ear : 30 cm ( 12" ) high efficiency wide range unit non filtered : 97 db, paper cone, basket and ring made from bronze SN12 without lead, pole pieces made of very mild steel < 0,20% carbon in pot shape with central alnico 3SC ( = no magnetic looses ), plus piezo-electric tweeter featuring high impedance, into a bronze pot SN12 , sharply filtered at 11 kHz and climbing over 30 kHz ( c .f. doc TW 37 ) . Each driver part is controlled and measured all along the manufacturing process. Each driver is put under a very serious pre-running and then measured in order to match pairs with max tolerance delta as 0,2gr. on mobile equipment mass, 0.1 Ohms on d.c. resistance, 2Hz on resonance frequency, is numbered and life guaranty ( first owner ) . *This unit characteristics are the same as KM 30 exeption of voice made of silver wire insulated with 15 micrometer silk. This avoids nearly totaly the production of MDI ( Micro Discharges of Interface ) and other perturbations.

TECHNOLOGICAL progress ensures that the boundaries of the high en are constantly being redefined, but after a taste of gourmet vinyl hardware, one might well believe that analogue has attained its zenith. Try for size the very unorthodox La Platine turntable, from France's J.C.Verdier. Ah, but no complex techno-gadgetry is involved here; La Platine uses the most rudimentary of scientific principles to minimize friction, that bane of civilization. To banish friction, the bottom half of the turntable's platter is supplemented with a permanent magnet. This magnet is "supported" but another permanent magnet attached to the plinth, with the poles of both magnets facing each other. And as you know, like poles repel, exactly the same principle applied to those futuristic Magnet trains. Voilà! A central spindle keeps the plinth and platter in alignment. The "levitation" platter ensures ultra smooth rotation. An external DC motor, mounted away from the turntables unit, turns the platter via a fine nylon thread. Speed 45 or 33 1/3 rpm on the La Platine.

The precision pick-up arm is an extension of our popular Series M2 range offering optimum cartridge choice with minimal tracking error and harmonic distortion associated with a 12 inch arm. Providing classic looks and meticulous build quality, This arm offers all the most important features, traditional 'J' shaped tone-arm, detachable S2-R aluminium headshell with azimuth adjustment, two stage tungsten counterbalance system, superb quality ball race bearings and a level of rigidity to suit all types of cartridge. * The 12in construction with thin walled stainless steel tone-arm takes advantage of the reduction in maximum tracking error/distortion afforded by the greater arm length when compared with 9in models. * S2-R Aluminum shell detachable and interchangeable without disturbing cartridge or wiring. * Double draw-in pin bayonet fitting design ensures a rigid junction with the tone-arm. * Unique headshell to tone-arm coupling readily allows cartridge azimuth adjustment. * Internal constrained layer damps minute residual vibrations making tone-arm acoustically inert. * Stainless steel cross shaft, ground and thread ground. Carried in a substantial yoke on 10mm precision ball races. * Stainless steel vertical shaft, ground and thread ground, with integral 16mm diameter flange to couple shaft and yoke. * 23mm diameter steel pillar, heat treated, ground and honed, carries two 17mm precision ball races, widely spaced to resist tilt. * Anti-skate control operates through Anti-Skate weight and filament, adjustable up to 5g VTF. * Thumbwheel (Vertical tracking angle VTA) height adjustment. * Bedplate affords +/- 12.0mm movement to facilitate (Horizontal tracking angle HTA) adjustment. * Tungsten-alloy balance weight inserts allow maximum centre of gravity shift to balance a greater range of cartridges up to 38g in S2-R headshell and direct plug-in heads up to 46g.

The Weiss INT202 is a small interface box for Firewire to AES/EBU and S/PDIF conversion. In addition the audio volume and polarity can be controlled in the digital domain via an infrared remote control unit. The INT202 finds its application in interfacing a PC or MAC computer to a D/A Converter unit. With the volume control feature it can also replace a preamplifier. The outputs can be operated in single wire up to 192 kHz sampling rate or in dual wire at the 176.4 / 192 kHz rates. Features of the INT202: Two Firewire 400 sockets. Firewire 800 can be connected via an appropriate cable Can be powered from the Firewire bus or from an optional power supply Two XLR output sockets Two RCA output sockets Operates up to 192kHz sampling rate Single wire operation at sampling rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz Single or dual wire operation at sampling rates of 176.4 or 192 kHz Infrared remote control (optional) for volume and absolute phase Volume control is dithered to avoid quantization distortion Bit transparency check feature for testing the computer player software Driver Software: Supports Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 Supports OSX 10.5 and higher Applications: Interfacing any D/A Converter to a computer for high quality soundfile playback. Interfacing any digital audio equipment with a AES/EBU or S/PDIF input to a computer High quality volume control and absolute phase control of audio played back from a computer. Size (approx.): depth: 11cm x width: 11cm x height: 5cm

The La Platine Verdier is set up now, I will fit the SME M2 12-R tone arm this week.

Developed as a BBC studio loudspeaker, the Monitor 30 has a well-rounded sound which is a big hit in the domestic market too.

Sharing its drive units with the reference Monitor 40.1, sonically and visually the smaller M30 disappears into the home listening room . Engineered around Harbeths RADIAL technology, the Monitor 30 achieves effortless clarity throughout the midrange with a well controlled bass that brings music to life in a wide range of listening environmenments.

Initially developed as a drop-in replacement /upgrade for the BBC LS5/9 studio monitor, the convenient proportions and well rounded sound soon led the Monitor 30 into the domestic market where it's acclaimed as the 'perfect all-rounder'.

Compared with its big brother Monitor 40.1, the cabinet is only about half the height and a quarter the volume; the Monitor 30 to sonically and visually disappears into a domestic listening room when mounted on a matching stands. Engineered around Harbeth's RADIAL technology, the Monitor 30 achieves effortless clarity throughout the midrange, with extended bass and at higher levels than the Monitor 20 - but with the same family balance as the flagship Monitor 40.1.

I personally run in all new audio cables purchased from Parmenter Sound on the new 2010 Anniversary edition audiodharma CABLE COOKER (Pictured) for 4 days before sale. The Anniversary Edition features Cardas CCGR all-copper billet binding posts. The swept square wave now starts at 0 DC and is calibrated at just over 40KHz, whereas the previous sweep started at just below 40Hz and reached 18.5KHz. Listening tests and comparisons were performed, and the new Extended Frequency Sweep improves on every sonic parameter. Stereophile Recommended Component for 3 Years Running THE CABLE COOKER 2.5 GREATLY IMPROVES the sound quality of all forms of interconnect (including A-V and phono), speaker cabling, AND power cabling beyond any normal break-in cycle.

Not a commercially designed audio product. Design: - 6C45Pi interstage coupling to 2A3 interstage coupling to GM-70 valve, output transformer (two interstage and no coupling cap in signal path driver stage valve rectified). - 2A3 and GM-70 will use MiX Bias topology (half auto/half manual) and Bias meters in front. - Pure Copper plate (top/bottom), cut/drill laser CNC for precision. - All interstages, output transformers. DC choke, power transformer will be potted in black casing and use the best transformer winding technology and materials available. - Thick flat OFC copper 3/4″ bus ground ! can carry +300Amp so no ground loop possible. - Silver solder on all joints, Cardas copper point to point wired. - Output 36 Watts per channel - 230Vac/50Hz - Cardas copper binding post, Cardas RCA connector, Teflon valve sockets. - Hard wood chassis, I will work with a custom guitar/violin wood working shop. They offer the best wood and finishing. Weight 38 Kg`s each mono block. Hand built, one pair only made.

Not a commercially available preamplifier.
Design: Valve line stage preamplifier, single ended dual mono design even down to separate mains transformers.
Dual output transformers, dual choke input power supply is used for dynamic drive capability.
Single valve per channel gain stage plus valve regulated and valve rectified.
Seiden selector switch and Alps Gold volume control used.
Dimensions: 340 mm wide x 450 mm depth.
Weight 31 Kg.

Hand built, one version of this preamplifier made.

Laminated maple Audio rack with adjustable Herbies feet.

Yamamoto 45 SET matched with the Ocellia Calliope speakers and using EMM Labs CDSD & DCC2.

Very early picture of my Fat Boys horn speakers bi amped using the Yamamoto 45 on the TAD 4001 top horn and the Manly Labs Snappers on the bass cabinets.

Loricraft Audio PRC 4 Deluxe Professional Record Cleaning machine. This is a new model in Walnut. It has a real wood veneered box and hand made acrylic cover/ high grade hinges. The box is veneered both inside and out. As with the highest grade speakers boxes, this makes a big difference to sound deadening. In addition, the PRC 3 Mk 4 Deluxe has extra sound absorbing material and suspension material to suppress the pump noise. This model truly out performs our original PRC 1. The standard finish is Maple. PRC4 It has 70% greater suction power compared to PRC3 and PRC3 Deluxe. The search for a pump of this specification at this price took many years. Do not confuse these pumps with the ones used in vacuum cleaner based machines. These are laboratory standard scientific pumps which are quite and efficient. The PRC 4 is supplied in real wood veneer without cover. Set at 28 litres per minute flow for the pump ensuring even very dirty or warped records will be cleaned efficiently. PRC4 Deluxe This is PRC4 asupplied with an acrylic cover.

Quicksilver Silver 88 mono block amplifiers (one per channel). The new Silver 88 brings the finesse and transparency of low powered tube amplifers into the realm of less efficient speakers. Employing only two output tubes, this circuit provides 80 watts without stressing or pushing these tubes to their limit, and with the lowest output impedance and distortion of all the Quicksilver amplifiers, the Silver 88 brings a new level of performance to this power range. An on-board bias meter allows individual adjustment of each output tube and, with low-noise power supplies and circuitry, the Silver 88 can still be used on very efficient speakers. Two power transformers and 180 Joules of energy storage provide effortless dynamic response, transmitting the full musical impact of sudden shifts from soft to loud. A modification of the sleek look of the V4, the Silver 88 has a chrome-plated chassis and carbide black transformer cover. Specifications Power Output 80 watts into 4 or 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20 KHz Power Bandwidth 13 Hz to 80 KHz Input Sensitivity 1 volt Input impedance 100 K ohms Damping Factor 15 IM Distortion 1% or less at 80 watts Power Consumption 115 watts at idle 290 watts at full power Tube Complement 1 12AX7 input 1 12BH7 driver 2 KT88 or KT90 outputs Finish Chrome chassis with Carbide black transformer cover Dimensions 6 1/2"H, 9 3/4"D, 15"W Weight 38 lbs., 42 lbs. shipping weight U.S. Warranty 3 years parts and labor Tubes 90 days Quicksilver Audio made in the USA since 1981.

The Harbeth SHL5 is a wonderful all round loudspeaker. The Harbeth Super HL5 is my benchmark Music Lovers loudspeaker and it puts to shame many high-end loudspeakers that cost multiples of its very fair price. Way to go Harbeth!" 6moons - By Jeff Day Read Jeff Day review below on the Harbeth SHL5 and the Leben HiFi CS660P amplifier, producing a musical synergy. I have had excellent results in matching the Harbeth SHL5 with the Leben HiFi valve amplifiers and the Pass Labs Solid state amplifiers.

The Jena Labs Platinum 2 consists of an exquisitely made, extruded, anodized aluminum case. All of the ultra-high-grade components are of the individual component type and are assembled in a point-to-point configuration. Each outlet has its own filter network, and the group of outlets has a collective group filter. Jena labs Platinum Power Conditioner designed and made in the USA by hand by JENA Technologies. The Platinum features: Dedicated 20A inlet connector feeding a dedicated 20A circuit breaker/ power switch. The Platinum is fitted with both gas tube arresters and MOSORB technology, as protection against lightning strikes and Transient Voltage Suppression. A very high quality network of filters is both dedicated to the individual outlets and the entire network that feeds those with AC power. The unit ships with our high-grade, dedicated 20A power cord designed specifically for the 20A inlet. Components that benefit from cryogenic treatment are used where applicable. The Platinum is suitable for all components, including amplifiers.

The current offering from LFD, the NCSE (New Chassis, Special Edition) has taken their design even further using Vishay bulk-foil resistors, Shinkoh tantalum resistors, silver internal wiring and a very robust case that adds eight more pounds over the LE III. The faceplate is unusually thick for a British integrated and is similar to what you might see on a big American monoblock. The four rubber feet from previous versions have now been upgraded to three isolation devices that consist of a viscoelastic foot that fits into a milled aluminum cup. Power output has taken a jump to 70 watts per channel, up from 60wpc in the LE II and 50wpc in the original Mistral. Even with the power increase, the LFD runs cool to the touch, so it will easily fit in tight spaces without a problem. LFD is a low profile company that takes pride in hand assembling their amplifiers, but part of what makes the NCSE so special, is that designer Richard Bews assembles each unit personally. Every aspect of the amplifier exudes craftsmanship with understated elegance. The compact size and dark grey casework will blend into your decor quite nicely. If you need the approval of your audiophile buddies that own gargantuan amplifiers and huge heatsinks, the NCSE may not pass muster, but the minute you turn it on, I guarantee they will be impressed.

Leben Hi Fi amplifiers & Harbeth loudspeakers have a very special musical synergy. I am listening to the Harbeth SHL5 and the Leben CS660P power amplifier matched with my Parmenter valve preamplifier. This is a foot tapping musical combination with Terry Evans - Walk that Walk CD playing through my EMM Labs CDSA cd player

I have added 3 x 4 foot x 16" ASC Tube traps to my music room, we are about to add 3 x 3 foot x 16" ASC tube traps on top to give a total of 7 foot x 16" tube traps. The sonic improvements have been really impressive, system dynamics and inner resolution have all benefited from using the ASC acoustic tube traps.

Quicksilver V4 Mono block Valve Amplifiers. "The V4 recreates a musical event on a scale and with a solidity, roundedness, and three-dimensionality matched by few and surpassed by no other amplifiers, with sensational dynamic-range to boot. " Paul Seydor, the absolute sound,October 2002. "Connecting the Quicksilver Audio V4s quickily revealed that these were very good sounding amps indeed. Space, delicacy, transparency, and overall musical believability were of high order." Bascom King, Audio, February 1998. Powerful, musical, and effortless--this is the sound of the V4. As with all Quicksilver's amplifiers, the V4s are all tube and hand wired point-to-point. A bias meter is mounted in the chassis and individual controls allow each output tube to be biased separately. The amplifiers come with KT88s, but EL34s, 6550s, or 6L6s can also be used. Matched quads will work best but are not necessary. The low screen voltage on the output tubes (300 volts) makes them last for thousands of hours of "on" time. The output stage has a separate power supply so that even maximum power levels will not diminish the sound quality. Specifications Power Output 120 watts into 4 or 8 ohms from 20 Hz to 40 KHz Power Bandwidth 18 Hz to 80 KHz Peak Power 180 watts at 1 KHz Input Sensitivity 1.5 volts Input Impedance 100 Kohms Tube Complement 1-12FQ7 input 1-12BH7 driver 4-KT88 outputs Finish Nickel chassis Carbide black capacitor and transformer cover Dimensions 7 7/8"H, 13 3/4"D, 16 3/4"W Weight 51 lbs., 56 lbs. shipping weight U.S. Warranty 3 years parts and labor Tubes 90 days

Weiss DAC2 D/A Converter Now you can have high end digital audio playback at a reasonable price. The DAC2 is a high performance stereo Firewire based digital to analog and digital to digital converter for usage either standalone or in conjunction with a PC or MAC computer. The DAC2 supports the following conversions: Firewire to analog AES/EBU to analog Firewire to AES/EBU AES/EBU to Firewire Features of the DAC2: Inputs: Digital Audio inputs on Firewire (two connectors), XLR, RCA and Toslink. Outputs: Stereo analog output on XLR and RCA. Digital Audio output on Firewire, XLR and RCA. Sampling Rates, Wordlength: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz at up to 24 Bits. Software: Drivers for Windows™ and OSX™ operating systems. Power Supply: A non-switching power supply is used. The mains voltage can be set to 100..120V or 200..240V. System requirements: - Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 - Mac OSX 10.5 and up on Mac Intel and PPC platforms. http://www.weiss.ch/dac2/dac2.htm Dac2 review link: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/weiss4/dac2.html Weiss Audio NZ distributor is Parmenter Sound.

Weiss DAC202 FIREWIRE D/A CONVERTER "I listened to the DAC202 last week and immediately ordered one. It is the best DAC I have ever heard. Period." A customer on computeraudiophile.com "All things considered, the Weiss DAC202 is the best-sounding DAC I’ve had in my system. (...) I’ve never heard better sound through my audio system than when listening to hi-rez recordings through the DAC202." Jeff Fritz - UltraAudio And: USA – The Absolute Sound Editor’s Choice Award Japan – AEX Audio Excellence Award Hong Kong – HiFi Review Product Of The Year Thailand – Audiophile Product Of The Year The DAC202 is a reference class Firewire D/A Converter with a IR remote control for volume control, absolute phase and input source selection. Features of the DAC202: Digital Inputs: AES/EBU or S/PDIF on 1 XLR, 1 RCA, 1 Toslink, Firewire Digital Outputs: AES/EBU on 1 XLR, 1 RCA, Firewire Main Analog Output: 2 stereo analog outputs, one on XLR one on RCA Headphone output on 1/4" Jack Level control main output: 4 coarse settings via relays (analog domain), fine setting via rotary encoder (digital domain). Level control can be defeated for the main output. Level control headphone output: 4 coarse settings via relays (analog domain, independent from the settings in the main output), fine setting via rotary encoder (digital domain). Wordsync input on BNC connector Wordsync output on BNC connector Frontpanel controls: LCD display for display of sampling rate, input source, audio level, absolute phase, upsampling filter type, various menu items Rotary encoder with push switch IR receiver Standby LED Headphone Jack socket Special features: Transparency check (allows to check the bit transparency of a playback chain) Setting of the coarse output levels (analog domain), separate for the main output and the headphone output Dual / single wire selection for 176.4 / 192 kHz sampling rate "Insert Mode" allows to loop in a external digital audio device (e.g. a equalizer) via the AES/EBU I/O on the XLR connectors Sampling rate setting on the WSYNC I/O connectors in dual wire mode Display brightness IR Remote control switches: power on/off volume up volume down input sources (4 switches for Firewire, XLR, RCA. Toslink) DAC upsampling filter type mute absolute phase Sampling rates: 44.1 up to 192 khz / 24 Bits The DAC202 also has a new D/A converter and new analog output stages compared to former D/A Converter models. The D/A converter uses two converters per channel to gain in signal to noise ratio. Weiss Audio NZ distributor is Parmenter Sound.

The Air Tight ATC-2 Linestage Preamplifier. The ATC-2 is Miura-san's classic tubed line stage. The rave reviews it's garnered since it's introduction have been unanimous in their praise of the ATC-2s outstanding transparency, amazing resolution of detail, beautiful craftsmanship, and ease of use. As with all Air Tight electronics, the ATC-2 is designed without printed circuit boards and is hand wired, point-to-point, for the purest signal path imaginable. It simply disappears, leaving nothing but music behind. For those who do not require an on-board phono stage, it just doesn't get any better than this! With its extensive point-to-point wiring, reinforced power supplies, lavish custom parts selection, and extraordinary chassis construction and finish, the ATC-2 was obviously never intended for mass production. Already recognized as a classic among its kind, it recreates music the way it was meant to be heard: with impeccable fidelity and emotional impact. Self-biased 2-stage NF flat amp to provide impressive high gain, thus insuring powerfulness and high resolution. SRPP output stage for high power under low impedance. 6 independent constant voltage circuits for stable, low-bass reproduction. Custom-selected coupling capacitor to ensure natural sound free from intermodulation distortion. Abundant input and outputs for versatile use. Single-steel chassis coated with several enamel layers for superb rigidity expelling mechanical noise and induced currents. SPECIFICATIONS Valves Used 12AX7 (ECC83) x 1 12AU7 (ECC82) x 2 Output Voltage Rated 2V, max 15V Output Impedance 200 ohms THD Less than 0.01% Frequency Response 5 - 100,000Hz (+/- 1dB) Input Sensitivity 110mV (output 1V) Signal/Noise Ratio 90dB (IHF-A weighted) Dimensions (w x d x h) 410 (W) x 337 (D) x 156 (H) mm Weight 12 kg *Alps Gold reference volume pot option available Air Tight NZ audio distributor is Parmenter Sound.

A superb piece by any standard, the ATM-2 uses KT-88 output tubes. (The ATM-2s are outfitted, at the factory, with Chinese KT-88s that have gone through a rigorous burn-in procedure. This consists of preliminary testing for defects and overall selection for sound and performance matching, after which the tubes are placed in an ATM-2 on the test bench and run continuously for 100 hours. This is followed by further testing and rematching, after which they are again placed in an ATM-2 and run for another 100 hours. The tubes are then matched to a specific ATM-2 from the production line. Set-up and tube biasing are a snap. There are even two sets of inputs, allowing you to use a line-level source, i.e., CD player, directly into the amplifier using the amps left and right attenuators for level control. The Air Tight ATM-2 can also be matched with the Air Tight ATC-2 line stage preamplifier for clients who like a active valve line stage in there audio system. Tube Complement 4 x KT88 or 4 x 6550 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AT7, 2 x 12BH7 Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 1dB (80W) Input Impedance 100k Ohm Signal to Noise 100dB (IHF-A weighted, Input -shorted) Input Sensitivity 1 V RMS for full output Output Power Stereo: 80 watts x 80 watts (8 Ohms) Total Harmonic Distortion [lessthansign] .07% at 1 watt RMS, 1kHz [lessthansign] 1.0% at 80 watt RMS, 1kHz Power Consumption 300 watts Input Power 117 VAC (100 & 220 VAC by special order) Dimensions Height 223 mm Width 415 mm Depth 380 mm Weight 32 kg Air Tight NZ audio distributor is Parmenter Sound.

Air Tight was founded by Mr Atasushi Miura. His father, who began by building transformers for the fledgling Japanese audio industry in the 1930's, was the head of Luxman Corporation, a manufacturer of fine audio equipment acclaimed internationally for its excellent sound and construction. Mr. Miura was therefore immersed in high quality audio from an early age. Mentored by his father, he worked his way up through the Luxman company, attaining the status of audio Engineer responsible for designing the circuits for many of the highly regarded Luxman tube amps, and in time he too became head of Luxman. In the mid-'80's, Mr. Miura sensed a shift in the audio industry toward lower quality, mass-produced components. Rather than become part of the slide into mediocrity, he sold Luxman and started his own new company, Air Tight. Air Tight has attained legendary status in high-end audio circles, as much for the build-integrity and elegance of their products as for the exceptional sound quality.

LFD new DPA 90 watt per channel solid state mono block amplifiers will be available at Parmenter Sound for audition with the Harbeth range of loudspeakers. The LFD DPA mono blocks will sell for $9500 NZD a pair & are a sonic upgrade from the older LFD PA3 mono block amplifiers reviewed below. 47k input impedance, 90W in to 8R and large short term current (30A). The DPA is slightly different to the other LFD power amplifiers in that the power supply electrolytic are on the PCB, and are made from 24 small caps. The input wiring is made from large diameter (and multiple diameter) silver wiring similar to the black widow. The sound is a small step down from the flagship LFD Anniversary mono block amplifiers, but still striving for the best sound possible for a more affordable price. Pictures will be posted soon. Review from LFD PA3 mono block amplifier owner: http://finetone.blogspot.com/2009/09/me ... fiers.html The back story … Well … it’s hard to ignore the facts, however inconvenient they may be – if one truly believes in integrity rather than insincerely repeating the speechifying. The fact is that quite a few of my friends have owned and continue to own LFD equipment, including the legendary DAC-3 (just 75 made and now out of production because of the unavailability of the preferred chipset) and I’ve not been able to demonstrate anything more satisfactory – at any price. Moreover, they didn’t buy their LFD stuff from me and yes, we all remain firm friends. I’d be an idiot to ignore the reality. For many experienced and might I say more mature listeners who’ve ‘been around the block’ quite a few times, LFD is the ultimate – if musical credible reproduction is valued more than anything else.. On top of this, despite its stark appearance, LFD gear doesn’t look, feel or weigh sufficiently badly enough to justify being housed in a bunker! Wife acceptance factor (WAF) is quite high. Sometimes very high. On top of this, I’ve owned and continue to own pieces from LFD’s past. Their integrated amps, in terms of sheer listenability without any fatigue whatsoever are frankly astonishing. The current iteration of those early designs is even finer. Moreover the LFD linestages (preamps) and the LFD power stages (power amps) are outstanding. I’ve owned numerous Krell power amps, Audio Research power amps and Accuphase power amps. The finest, in musical terms of all of those was the Accuphase P-60 full Class A. That’s now in Belgium. My LFD PA3 mono power amps are everything that the P-60 produces, but with substantially more muscle and with superior low-volume detail retrieval. In fact the PA3s sounds like Class A, but aren’t Class A. These are my reference power amps. The line stages and phono stages are, within their respective price bands, in a class of their own.

Here is a picture of the Harbeth Monitor 40.1 loudspeakers matched with the LFD DPA mono block amplifiers.The Preamplifier is my own Parmenter valve transformer coupled valve preamplifier. CD player is the EMM Labs CDSA.

Not a commercially available preamplifier. Design: Valve line stage preamplifier, Balanced & single ended, dual mono design. Dual input & output transformers. Dual choke input power supply is used for dynamic drive capability. Single valve per channel gain stage plus valve regulated and valve rectified. Seiden selector switch and Alps Black beauty volume control used 340 mm wide x 450 mm depth. Weight 27 Kg. Hand built, only one model made of this design.

I have designed a range of open frame 4 post speaker stands to match with the Harbeth range of loudspeakers. These are made locally in West Auckland NZ. My new speaker stands are made from hard rock Maple timber and use a 5.25 mm powder coated steel bottom plate with 8 mm hardened steel spikes for extra stability. Down the track we will look into brass spikes and even a retro fit-able brass bottom plate for the Special edition models. They are available in black stain over the maple or clear lacquer over the maple. We have just sold our second pair of speaker stands to a very happy client with the Harbeth P3ESR loudspeakers. My client reports back that his new Parmenter speaker stands have made a wonderful improvement to his bass solidity plus tone & imaging.

Daedalus Audio Reference Series Ulysses loudspeakers. Daedalus Audio's top-of-the-line speaker. It uses two 1" dome tweeter, two 5" custom-modified midrange units, and two 8" proprietary woofers, and has a rated sensitivity of 98dB. All Daedalus speakers are hand-built to order using solid North American hardwoods, hand-rubbed oli-varnish finishes & dove tailed wood joints. Designer Lou Hinkley is a guitarist who may be better known for his acoustic guitar amps. His work in that arena led him to hi-fi. The Ulysses has real life dynamics, pin point imaging and a huge detailed soundstage. Flat out breathtaking in its realism clarity and power. Available in solid Cherry or Walnut. Maple, Quartersawn White Oak or Ebonized Walnut $950 option. Made in the USA. Maple bases and Soundocity outriggers included. Efficiency: 98db 1w/1m Recommended amplifier power: 8 to 1000 watts. Power rating: 400 watts RMS (800+ watts peak). Dimensions: 48.5"x11"x16" (HxWxD). Weight: 115 lbs each. Frequency response: 28 Hz to 22kHZ +/- 2db. Drivers: two - 1" Soft Dome tweeter. two - 5" midrange driver. two - 8" Daedalus Audio Dynamic Loudspeaker. AP Option (All Poly & Teflon capacitor crossovers) included. http://www.daedalusaudio.com/AP-Option.html Daedalus Audio web site link: http://www.daedalusaudio.com/Ulysses.html

Dimensions: 400 mm wide x 550 mm deep.
Power Output : 70 watts class A into 8 & 4 ohm speaker load. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.417942374916795.98237.138776836166685&type=1

PSC Audio cables in NZ from Parmenter Sound. "The AG Monolith features all the engineering knowledge and manufacturing experience PSC Audio has collected over many years of creating what is one of the largest cable ranges available today." Review link below of the PSC Audio flagship product The AG Monolith Interconnect cable. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/psc/1.html

We are very pleased to announce that Osborn Loudspeakers are now available in NZ through Parmenter Sound. http://www.osborn.com.au/ We will have the Osborn Epitome Tower Reference loudspeakers available for demonstrations soon. The Osborn Epitome has been one of our biggest sellers for over 20 years, and has consistently outperformed speakers costing 20 times as much. Because of the extraordinary improvement in sound quality, when the optional Bass Units were added, around 75% of customers opted for them. The only people, who did not, did so for either financial, spousal, or space problems. Because of this, and because of the enthusiasm that has greeted the Eclipse Tower and the Pinnacle, we decided to finish of the Tower range by introducing the Epitome Tower. The Epitome Tower is pretty well a slightly scaled down Monument, to accommodate the 10" bass drivers, instead of the 13" drivers used in the Monument. This results in a slimmer and elegant piece of cabinetry, which is actually 2cm slimmer than the Epitome, whist retaining the same height as the Eclipse Tower. This gives it the performance of the Epitome and Bass Unit combination, whist only taking up the same floor space as the Epitome alone. The Osborn Epitome is one of the finest speakers in the world, with unmatched speed and transient attack. But in the tower version the performance becomes extraordinary. The dynamics, bass, transparency and sheer power becomes unmatched by virtually any other speaker at any price. Very few other speakers can deliver the whole weight, power and authority of a full symphony orchestra. From the tinkle of the tiniest bell to the blast of a brass cannon, to the depth of a giant 32 foot pipe organ, like this speaker can. Transparency, dynamic contrasts, and detail are transformed over the Epitome alone, and of course the bass becomes unsurpassed in speed, power, depth and detail. The sound stage is also greatly enhanced in both width and depth and in the pin point imaging. Several of the world's best speakers were used as references in the design of these speakers. We believe that the sound quality of these speakers is superior to all the references. The drive units were chosen from the best available from around the world for unrivalled speed and accuracy. As a result, a level of transparency comparable to the best Electrostatic speakers has been achieved. The crossovers use the best components attainable. The capacitors are imported from America and the inductors are wound in-house as none are available commercially which meet our criteria. Each crossover is hard wired with specially selected ultra wide bandwidth, ultra high speed data transfer cable and weighs about 9 kilograms. Only the best quality Turntable/CD Player and Amplifiers were used in the design of these speakers. High quality timber veneers are used on these speakers. Standard finishes are Jarrah and Bubinga. The cabinets are shaped using high precision, computer controlled milling equipment. All models are constructed from 32 mm Customwood and are heavily braced. The Grand Epitome Tower is also fully lined with a felt/lead/felt sandwich as used on the Grand Monument Reference. Both models are exceptionally heavy, solid and are acoustically inert. High quality natural timber veneers are used, and every cabinet is carefully hand finished to ensure a superb quality finish which will grace any living room. These speakers have a number of outstanding features - the ability to separate instruments and place them firmly and accurately on a sound stage of uncanny width and depth: The instruments retain their correct pitch, tone and shimmer: Dynamic range and speed unmatched by any speaker in any price range and the ability for drums to retain their impact and depth. Epitome Tower Specifications: SPEAKER DIMENSIONS: 36 x 49 x 156 cm WEIGHT: Standard 90kg each. Reference. 125kg each EFFICIENCY: 91db for 1 watt at 1 meter. FREQUENCY RESPONSE: Grand Epitomes Tower 20 to 20000 Hz. Tweeter accuracy throughout operating range +0/-1db. Usable bass to 8 Hz. CROSSOVER POINTS: 125 Hz and 3500 Hz @ 12 db/Octave. MINIMUM IMPEDANCE: 5.8 Ohm. REC. MAXIMUM POWER: 200 Watts R.M.S per Channel. REC. MINIMUM POWER: 10 Watts R.M.S per Channel. The above specifications show why these speakers are capable of such extraordinary transient performance and yet reveal such intimate detail in the music. This fidelity is possible due to the fine tolerances and light weight of the driver weight and voice coils. The Grand Epitome Tower Reference features heavy lead lining to all interior surfaces. The same heavy bracing is used, but all areas between the bracing are covered by a unique sandwich lining. Heavy acoustic felt is used to separate the heavy lead sheet from the cabinetry. A further layer of heavy acoustic felt is placed over the lead and the entire sandwich is stapled to the walls of the cabinet. This result is what is effectively a box within a box. Wrapping the outside of the speaker is similar to knocking on a brick. This totally inert cabinet construction results in the ultimate sound reproduction.

ZL-120V2SE is an idealist, minimalist and non-compromise design with meticulous attention to detail in parts selection, layout, and construction, designed and built by Masataka Tsuda in Nagano, Japan, home for many precision mechanical, electronic and optical products. We have achieved simplest possible circuitry with minimum number of components, with just two pairs of output MOS-FET’s per monoblock in BTL configuration with no overall NFB, achieving 120 watts @ 8 ohms. It is a state-of-the-art power amplifier. Sonically pure and transparent. Revealing, yet involving. Transcending the traditional boundaries of vacuum tube and solid state designs. . The ZL-120V2SE improvements include the use of high quality, Japanese-made DC-DC converters in the input and driver stages, plus revisions in driver stage circuit board(LF-4 V2.0) and grounding layout. Unlike linear regulators, the high-tech DC-DC converters provide complete electric isolation between stages, which results in lower noise floor, "blacker" background, and superior reproduction of low-level information. . The ZL-120V2SE is a combination of the audio circuitry of the ZL-120V2 and the power supply section of its bigger brother, the ZL-200. The SE version has a power transformer with double the capacity of the V2 version. The rectification capacity is also doubled, and the capacity of power supply caps is increased by 50%. What this means is that the ZL-120V2SE is capable of delivering significantly more current when it's needed. Sonic improvements include more powerful and tighter bass, superior macro dynamics and the ability to drive less efficient loudspeakers with more authority. All　this is achieved without compromising the existing virtues of the ZL-120V2—high speed, delicacy and exquisite rendition of details and micro dynamics—owing to its minimalistic design of the audio circuitry based on the BTL architecture with a relatively small number of MOSFET output devices. . －Specifications－ Inputs: RCA only Input Impedance: 47KΩ Input Sensitivity: 2V for Rated Power Power Output: 120W / 8Ω; 200W / 4Ω Frequency Response: 0.5Hz to 30KHz (±0dB); 0.5Hz to 100KHz (-0.8dB) @0.125W Voltage Gain: 20dB Power Reqiremants: (100VAC / 50~60Hz), 110-120VAC / 60Hz, (220-230VAC / 50Hz), (240VAC / 50Hz) Power Consumption: 140W (Operation) / 120VAC Dimensions: 450mm (W) X 150mm (H) X 360mm (D) Net Weight: approx. 20KG per monoblock.

The Osborn Grand Monuments will be available for auditions in January 2013 at Parmenter Sound.

Speaker Dimensions
H x W x D: 1650 X 440 X 482 mm.

Weight:
Grand Monument Reference 170 Kg each.

Effeciency:
92 db for 1 watt at 1 meter.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
15Hz to 40 KHz +/- 3 db.
Tweeter accuracy throughout operating range +0/-1db.

Cross-over points: 125 Hz and 3500 Hz @ 12 db/Octave.
Minimum Impedance: 5.0 Ohm.
Rec. max. power: 120 Watts R.M.S per Channel.
Rec. min. power: 10 Watts R.M.S per Channel.

The above specifications show why these speakers are capable of such extraordinary transient performance and yet reveal such intimate detail in the music. This fidelity is possible due to the fine tolerances and light weight of the driver cones and voice coils and the massive motor assemblies which rigidly control their movement. These are the same bass drivers as used in the Wilson Audio Grand Slams and the same motor assembly and basket as the bass drivers used in the GM Labs Grand Utopia. The tweeter is the new upgraded version of that used in the Grand Utopia and vastly superior to the tweeter used in the Grand Slam, which uses the same tweeter the Standard Monument. This allows the decay of the ringing of small bells and tiny musical detailto be clearly audible.

The Grand Monument Reference features heavy lead lining to all exterior surfaces. The same heavy bracing is used, but all areas between the bracing are covered by a unique sandwich lining. Heavy acoustic felt is used to separate the heavy lead sheet from the cabinetry. A further layer of heavy acoustic felt is placed over the lead and the entire sandwich is stapled to the walls of the cabinet. This result is what is effectively a box within a box. Wrapping the outside of the speaker is similar to knocking on a brick. This totally inert cabinet construction results in the ultimate sound reproduction.

Sound quality differences between the Grand Monument Reference and Monument is that the sound is even more focused. The stereo image is more stable and larger. Inner detail is significantly improved. Bass control is surprisingly better. Bass integrity and overhang, and the effects of room resonance's are improved. The differences are quite significant. Is the extra cost justified? If you are seeking the ultimate speaker? Yes!

Grand Monuments Price $50,000 NZD a pair.

The SME 30/12A Turn table matched with the SME V-12 tone arm will be available for our reference music auditions at Parmenter Sound. Dimensions: Width 530 x Depth 400 x Height 232mm. Packing: Substantial wooden case with internal fitments. Net weight with power supply: 53.5kg (118lb) Shipping weight approximately: 79.5kg (175lb) SME NZ audio distributor is Parmenter Sound. SME 30/12A web site link: http://www.sme.ltd.uk/content/Model-3012-1525.shtml Review Links: http://www.sme.ltd.uk/content/Model-3012-1526.shtml http://www.sme.ltd.uk/content/Model-3012-1526.shtml

The Model AP150 is the direct no preamplifier version of the Model IT integrated. It is a full width design with unrivalled Lavardin Technologies build quality and design philosophy, with its low memory distortion components. The Model AP150 delivers 50 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms and a total of more than 150 Watts at 4 Ohms. The full benefit of low memory distortion technology can only be appreciated when a low memory preamp such as the Model C62 is used to partner the Model AP150.

The full benefit from low memory technology can only be attained when a low memory power amp in our range is used. Our preamps can also be fantastic partners for traditional power amps as replacements of traditional and generally poor sounding original preamps. The Model C62 is a full width design with the unrivalled Lavardin Technologies build quality and design philosophy, with low memory distortion circuits and components. The dynamics of the Model C62 will certainly bring you closer to the music giving a purity and clarity that no other preamplifier could achieve. The Model C62 is a minimalist design utilising our highly accurate, high performance Memory free Design. It is operated manually and has an unbalanced line level source selection for up to six unbalanced input sources.

Eficion F300 loudspeaker in Piano Black. The Eficion F300 is one of our Reference loudspeakers at Parmenter Sound. The Eficion F300 is a true statement loudspeaker system that we highly recommend as a full scale loudspeaker system for all genres music playback. We pulled all the stops to make this masterpiece, from using the best drivers and other components in the world to developing special enclosures (patents pending). The proprietary enclosures rid themselves of box sound without deadening the music. With an artful balancing of all these, the result is a lifelike sound you will have to hear to believe. Specification: Design: 3-way 4-driver vented box. Frequency response: 25Hz-40kHz. Sensitivity: 89dB/2.83V/1m. Impedance: 8 ohms (minimum 6.4 ohms). Tweeter: air motion transformer * diaphragm area: 5-1/8" x 1-3/16". Super tweeter: Aluminum ribbon, rear-firing, diaphragm area: 2-1/3" x 1/3". Midrange: 6.5", non-woven carbon fiber sandwich cone, massive 2" voice coil has an innovative copper shorting ring and a damping coil. ** Woofer: 12", non-woven carbon fiber sandwich cone, massive 3" voice coil has an innovative copper shorting ring and a damping coil. ** Crossover: 1300Hz and 110Hz. Dimensions (HWD): 1079 mm x 396 mm x 432 mm. Weight (net): 158 lb/pc. Finish: Piano black, Santos Rosewood, Rosewood, Cherry, Maple. * The air motion transformer driver moves air like an accordion’s reed chambers. The result is an extraordinarily rapid response rate and very low distortion. * The copper shorting ring prevents the voice coil from moving out of the magnetic field resulting in tighter bass. Dagogo F300 loudspeaker review link: http://dagogo.com/eficion-f300-speaker-review Our recommended amplifiers. Lamm M1.2 Ref & M2.2, Plinius SA103 & Reference, Pass Labs X250.5 & X350.5, Concert Fidelity ZL120 V2SE & CAT J2 Ultimate. Eficion F300 web site link: http://www.eficion.com/f300.html

Exemplar Audio Exception SE preamplifier added to our reference audio system now. Exemplar Audio - John Tucker release a new valve line stage preamplifier. So what is the Exemplar Exception SE preamp? It is a single piece unit with six unbalanced inputs (one of which may be changed to a home theater bypass). It comes with a very nice remote volume control, one that is used by its Exemplar big brother, the XP-2. It is a single-ended valve line stage, using one 6922 type valve per channel. New high performance shunt regulators for extremely low impedance, low noise and wide bandwidth filtering of power to their class A, and all triode signal stages. It uses a two stage signal path consisting of a voltage amp directly coupled to an actively loaded cathode follower output stage, and of course the Urushi caps. This is part of the new Exception line coming from Exemplar Audio, which will include the preamp, an integrated amp, a dac, and a phono stage. John Tucker is the principle man there. I first met John when he was involved with the Shuttle Program. His primary activity was in running the Shuttle simulator. He later left NASA and moved to Everett, Washington and ultimately established Exemplar Audio. About three years ago I heard a prototype of his top-of-the-line XP-2 balance preamp, which, in a more current version, is now my reference unit. Conclusion While I still greatly enjoy my Exemplar XP-2 line stage, especially with it balanced cable capability and its left/right balance capability, there is no question that the Exception is not only a much better buy and in many ways the best sounding preamp I have heard. Review from Stereotimes. http://stereotimes.com/post/exemplar-preamp

SME 30.12 turn with the SME V 12 tone arm & Air Tight PC-3 phono cartridge playing at Parmenter Sound studio. Picture from the album. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.602214386489592.1073741858.138776836166685&type=1

The PLINIUS Reference Amplifier has been designed specifically to work as either a balanced monoblock, or a stereo amplifier. As a balanced monoblock the SA-Reference will exceed 1kW of pure balanced amplification. In PLINIUS tradition, premium components have been used throughout and Class A operation is maintained to over 100 Watts per Channel while 300 Watts is available in stereo mode to direct and control the most demanding speaker systems. The PLINIUS SA-Reference amplifier embodies all that we have learned in the past few years and while modelled on the Classic SA look it has been given some aesthetic changes to bring it into line with our present styling. Sonically the SA-Reference paints a seamless picture from the most tuneful and accurate bass to a sweet, extended and extremely believable top end. All PLINIUS SA-Reference Amplifiers are hand built and as each is individually engraved on the front panel, we are able to offer some customer selection of the serial number. Some numbers between 101 and 200 are still available. We will endeavour to have your specific choice engraved if that number is still available. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Power: 300 watts RMS per channel into 8 Ohms 450 watts RMS per channel into 4 Ohms Both channels driven from 20Hz to 20kHz at less than 0.05% total harmonic distortion. Mono Output: 1000 watts RMS into 8 Ohms, 1800 watts RMS into 4 Ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.2dB 0dB at 1Hz and -3dB at 70kHz Distortion: Typically <0.05% THD at rated power 0.1% THD and IM worst case prior to clipping Current Output: 100A short duration peak per channel Fuse protected Rise Time: Typically 5µs Hum & Noise: 100dB below rated output 20Hz to 20kHz, A weighted Input Impedance: 47k ohms Gain: RCA Inputs: 32dB Balanced Inputs: 38dB Power/Current Consumption: 2000VA 4.8A (1100W) Class A Idle 0.8A (184W) Class AB Idle/Standby Dimensions: Height: 275mm (10.75") Width: 510mm (20") Depth: 535mm (21") Weight: 57kg (125lb) Colour: Available in silver or black

The Convergent Audio Technology (C.A.T) JL2 Ultimate stereo amplifier has now arrived and in our reference audio system. "Ken Stevens may be known for his SL1 preamp, but his JL2 amp is an even more significant product, and that's saying a lot. I put the JL2 Signature Mk 2 with the Wilson Audio Alexandria X-2 and MAXX 2 speakers in a group of the finest audio components I've reviewed. "Don't buy another amp until you've heard this one" became an audio-reviewing cliché sometime during the Pleistocene epoch, but it's the wisdom of the ages when applied to this amp." Review by Marc Mickelson www.soundstage.com The heavy steel chassis is reinforced with several welded beams for tremendous strength and elimination of low frequency vibration. The output transformers are enclosed within their own magnetically isolated housings. Mirror polished stainless steel top plate. Single 10 turn master bias control per channel assures utmost sonic capability with minimum effort. Built in LCD bias meter. Exotic low loss aerospace circuit board material. CAT wire uses ultra pure dead soft annealed copper and super low loss insulation - 7 times lower than TFE Teflon! CAT coupled capacitors reduce electromechanical noise to incredible levels. Low loss core material has 92% less hysteresis loss than grain orientated silicon steel used in all other transformer coupled amplifiers, and almost 100 times greater linearity. Output Valves: 16 x KT 120, 8 x KT 120 valves per channel. Specifications: Power Output (Very Conservative) 100 watts into 8 ohms - class A. 100 Watts into 4 ohms - class A. Frequency Response 1 Hz to 65 KHz (+0, -3dB). Gain 30.6 dB (8ohms). Sensitivity 835mV AC for full power (8 ohms). Noise 90 dB below full power. Power Bandwidth 20 Hz to 30 kHz. Damping factor 10. Dimensions (L:W:H) 686 mm x 470 mm x 267 mm. Weight 180 lbs. (82kg). Price $23,995 USD. Made in USA.

Atria is the newest model from Rockport Technologies and follows the pattern set by Avior for visual elegance in a loudspeaker which is moderate in size, yet delivers true, full range sound. Atria is suited to compact spaces where Avior would be too large or too powerful. Immediately apparent is the potent combination of the newest generation of custom, carbon fibre sandwich composite cone drivers designed and developed from the ground up by Rockport Technologies. Both the bass driver and midrange driver utilize a revolutionary new carbon fibre fabric in their cone construction that further increases the stiffness/weight ratio of the cones, ensuring pure pistonic behaviour throughout their entire operating range. The Atria's triple laminated, constrained mode damped enclosure boasts a solid 6" thick baffle and variable section thickness, gracefully curved side panels and crowned top surface. Together, these not only create an elegant form, but also endow the enclosure with immense stiffness and minimum resonant signature. The enclosure's large sweeping chamfers and ever changing baffle dimensions virtually eliminate diffraction anomalies, while the Avior's visually stunning, raked back form and high gloss black piano finish are the ideal complement to its awesome sonic accomplishment.. Specifications: Woofers 1 x 9" Carbon Fibre Sandwich Composite Cone. Midrange 6" Carbon Fibre Sandwich Composite Cone. Tweeter 1" Scan Speak Beryllium Dome. Internal Wiring Transparent Audio Crossovers with the highest quality components and every speaker hand tuned by Andy Payor. Dimensions H1100 x W317 x D508 mm. Weight 66kgs each, Shipping Weight 70kgs each. Frequency Response 28Hz - 30KHz, -3dB. Nominal Impedance 4 ohms. Sensitivity 87.5dB SPL/2.83v. Minimum Amplifier Power 50 watts. Color options to order: Ferrari Red, Mercedes Silver, Porsche Black.

Lamm Industries Inc. M1.2 Reference mono block amplifiers set up at Parmenter Sound matched with the EMM Labs XDS1 CD/SACD player & EMM Labs Pre-2 preamplifier. The Lamm M1.2 Refernece amplifiers are powering a pair of Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 loudspeakers. Cables are the Townshend Audio F1 Fractal Interconnects and the Townshend Audio Isolda Speaker Cables. Sound quality is exceptional as you would expect with this world class audio system. We are really looking forward to hearing the new Harbeth SHL5 Plus loudspeakers with the same electronics next week.

Pass Labs new XA160.8 160 Watt Class A Mono amplifiers. Power output: 160 watts Class A at 8 ohms & 320 watts Class A at 4 Ohms. We’re excited! Because we’re celebrating our 23rd year by presenting the best amplifiers we’ve ever made. Our New Point 8 Series, X.8 & XA.8, operate “higher” into Class A than ever before and bridge the gap between measured performance and subjective experience. Designed for audiophiles by even more demanding audiophiles, they invite listeners into the music as never before. Even more, they represent a summation of our expertise in designing amplifiers, while elegantly expressing our philosophy of more amplifier, more progress and more music. Seven years in the making, the Point 8 Series demonstrates our belief that the best products must be carefully adjusted until their components operate in harmony — then subjectively fine-tuned. Not satisfied with measurements alone, we put the amplifiers’ state-of-the-art engineering through an extensive, rigorous listening process using six different sound systems to deliver peak musical experiences. As a result, the amplifiers glow with innovation. For example, the output stages of the larger Point 8 amplifiers bias more deeply into the Class-A operating region. Their larger push-pull Class-A operating envelopes deliver low distortion and additional loudspeaker control at ordinary listening levels. And higher power MOSFETs, many more than usual, increase the amplifiers’ Class-A operation while running at fractions of their stated specs to enhance both performance and reliability. Pass Labs amplifier Specifications link: https://passlabs.com/images/uploads/manual/Point8_specs.pdf Pass Labs web site link: https://passlabs.com/products/a

Pass Laboratories Reference Xs Preamplifier. With the Xs we start with a clean slate because the Xs line is of course new. It is a large two chassis preamp built in a true dual mono arrangement. The circuit board materials are optimized for performance in each area, a power supply circuit board has different requirements than a gain stage and we use different types optimized for their specific uses. Each channel has its own power supply board with 100,000 uf of capacitors combining several kinds for optimum performance from high reliability electrolytics to custom polypropylene. The use of newly available silicon carbide semiconductors kicks performance up a bit by dropping noise below the level of the XP30. The gain stages from input to output connectors and all parts between them have been chosen for maximum sonic performance. We use a DC coupled ultra symmetric gain path with high bias class A circuitry. The power supply has lower noise with a refined circuit design and layout. New gain stages with auto bias and DC compensation keep performance at prime. But it all comes down to the sound. When you go through the door that is the Xs preamp there is no going back. SPECS & PRICING Pass Xs Preamp Max output: 22V Output impedance: 20 ohms main balanced per leg; 50 ohms aux balanced per leg; 120 ohms single-ended RCA, either Noise floor: -122dB ref to 5V Distortion: .001% 1kHz 5V Frequency response: –1dB@1Hz and 100kHz Channel separation: Greater than 110dB Residual broadband noise: Less than 25mV Max gain: 10dB Volume control: .5dB steps Power consumptions: 55W Dimensions: 19